Conservation of mechanical energy

The aim is to find how kinetic energy depends on mass and speed. A small ball rolls down an inclined channel, hits a light block at the bottom and pushes it a distance s against friction. The distance s is proportional to the ball’s kinetic energy (the energy is spent as work against friction). 1) Vary the channel’s release height h with the same ball: larger h gives larger speed and larger s. From energy conservation υ² ∝ h, so s ∝ h ∝ υ². 2) Release balls of different masses (steel and glass/wood) from the same h: a larger mass gives a larger s. Measure each case 3 times and average. Work under the teacher’s supervision, with a stopper after the block so the ball cannot roll off.