Testing energy conservation through popper launch and compression experiments

David Pevzner; Joseph Cardillo; Ashmaan Siddiqui; Jake Croft; Justin Chan; Bobby Kapoor

doi:10.64804/q69tgd65

Authors

David Pevzner Science & Engineering Magnet Program , Manalapan High School
Joe C Cardillo Science & Engineering Magnet Program , Manalapan High School
Ashmaan Siddiqui Science & Engineering Magnet Program , Manalapan High School
Jake Croft Science & Engineering Magnet Program , Manalapan High School
Justin J Chan Science & Engineering Magnet Program , Manalapan High School
Bobby Kapoor Science & Engineering Magnet Program , Manalapan High School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64804/q69tgd65

Keywords:

popper, launch, elastic potential energy, energy conservation

Abstract

The principle of energy conservation predicts that energy is never lost; it only changes forms. To test this principle experimentally, we launched popper toys that, when compressed, store elastic potential energy, which is converted into kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy as the popper launches. We also compressed the popper to determine the total elastic potential energy stored in it before launch. Ultimately, by comparing the kinetic and potential energies at different stages of the launch and assuming negligible air resistance, we found convincing evidence that mechanical energy is not constant; however, this does not imply that energy is not conserved, considering we failed to account for air resistance.

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