Energy Conservation
A bead- or cart-style model on a track: gravitational potential energy converts to kinetic energy (plus any modeled dissipation). Bars or readouts show how KE, PE, and total mechanical energy evolve.
Who it's for: Intro mechanics; connecting energy bar charts to motion along a path.
Key terms
- kinetic energy
- potential energy
- mechanical energy
- conservation
- work–energy
Live graphs
How it works
On a frictionless track, gravity does work that converts potential energy mgh into kinetic energy ½mv². With no non-conservative forces, the total E = KE + PE is constant in time. Small numerical drift can appear from discrete time steps.
Key equations
Frequently asked questions
- When is total energy conserved?
- In the frictionless idealization, only conservative gravity does work, so total mechanical energy stays constant while KE and PE trade off.
More from Classical Mechanics
Other simulators in this category — or see all 63.
1D Force Field
U(x) presets, F = −U′, bead on potential, phase (x,v) and E(t).
1D Collisions
Elastic and inelastic collisions with momentum and energy tracking.
2D Collisions
Billiard-ball style collisions with adjustable angles.
Torque & Balance
Beam on a fulcrum. Place weights to balance or tip.
Lever Classes
1st / 2nd / 3rd class: arms, τ about fulcrum, MA vs Torque & Balance.
Blocks & Tackle
n supporting strands, same rope tension T, ideal MA = n, F = T.