The online energy simulations on this page will help you understand the physical concept of energy and the different types of energy: kinetic, potential, thermal. Visualize with the simulations how energy transforms from one form to another.
Energy is a fundamental property of nature that is defined as the ability of a system to do work. Energy can come in many forms, such as kinetic energy (associated with the motion of an object), potential energy (associated with the position of an object in a force field), thermal energy (associated with temperature and molecular vibrations), electrical energy (associated with the transfer of electrical charges), and chemical energy (associated with chemical reactions).
Conservation of energy is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total energy of an isolated system (i.e. one that does not exchange energy with its surroundings) remains constant. This means that energy can neither be created or destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another. For example, the kinetic energy of a falling object is converted into gravitational potential energy as the object rises, and vice versa.
Energy is a fundamental concept in many areas of science and technology. It is used to describe processes and phenomena ranging from heat transfer to electricity generation. Understanding energy and its various forms is crucial to the development of new technologies and sustainable solutions to current and future energy challenges.
Kinetic energy
Observe how the kinetic energy of this vehicle varies as its mass and speed change and see how its ability to pull the block changes.
Potential energy
Observe how the kinetic energy of this vehicle varies as its mass, initial height and the slope of the fall (?) change and see how its ability to drag the block changes.
Elastic energy I
Compress the spring and observe how the elastic energy stored in the spring is converted to kinetic energy. What happens if there is no friction?
Elastic energy II
Energy conservation
This simulation allows us to observe how energy changes from kinetic to potential or elastic energy. Why doesn’t the vehicle stop?
Energy of a bullet
In this simulation the kinetic energy of a cannonball is converted into potential energy. Do you know how high the bullet rises? And what is its velocity when it falls?
Energía in a pendulum
When the pendulum is released, it begins to swing back and forth. At what point are the kinetic energy of the ball maximum and minimum? What happens if there is no air (zero density)?
Energy on an astronaut
Energy skate park
Learn about energy conservation with a skateboarder! Build tracks, ramps and jumps for the skater and see the kinetic energy, potential energy and friction as he moves. Measure speed and adjust for friction, gravity and mass – you can also put the skater on different planets or in space!
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Kinetic energy of a bicycle
As the person starts pedaling, the speed and kinetic energy increase, do they increase at the same rate?
Kinetic energy, mass and speed
Try to give the same amount of energy to the three vehicles and observe their speeds. Which vehicle moves with more speed for identical energy?
Energy in a pendulum
When the pendulum is released, it begins to swing back and forth. At what point are the kinetic energy of the ball maximum and minimum?
Energy in a spring
Energy on an astronaut
Energy skate park
Learn about energy conservation with a skateboarder! Build tracks, ramps and jumps for the skater and see the kinetic energy, potential energy and friction as he moves. Measure speed and adjust for friction, gravity and mass – you can also put the skater on different planets or in space!
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AP® Physics 2: Challenging Concepts
AP® Physics 1: Challenging Concepts
AP® Physics 1 – Part 4: Exam Prep
AP® Physics 1
Mechanics, Part 2
Mechanics, Part 1
Dynamics and Control
