Course Notes

Notes: Application of the Principle of Conservation of Energy (PDF - 2.8MB)

Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)

Chapter 7.3. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.

Video Excerpts

Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:

Flash and JavaScript are required for this feature.

» Clip 1: A Roller Coaster, Upside-down (8 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 11 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 2: Conservation of Energy and a Wrecking
  Ball (4 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 11 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 3: Orbits and Escape Velocity (50 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 14 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 4: Work, Energy, and Newton's Laws (50 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 18 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

Download the complete lectures from this course:

» iTunes U
» Internet Archive

Guided Activities

Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.

Slides: Application of Energy Conservation (PDF - 1.2MB)

Self-Assessment

Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.

Concept Questions

Concept Questions (PDF)

Solutions (PDF)

Challenge Problems

Challenge Problems (PDF)

Solutions (PDF - 2.5MB)

Problem Solving Help

In the following videos Prof. Walter Lewin explains how to approach the Challenge Problems.

Help Session 1

Help Session 2

Help Session 3

Help Session 4

There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try these:

• Try out a few interactive simulations from PhET:
  • Energy Skate Park
  • Masses & Springs
  • The Ramp
• Read the Physics material on Connexions:
  • Conservation of Energy
  • Conservation of Mechanical Energy
  • Conservation of Energy (Application)