1M10.20: PILE DRIVER

PURPOSE: To illustrate the conversion of gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy and then into work.

DESCRIPTION: Start a nail into the center of the wood block. Place the block on the floor with the nail up and position the pile driver tube over the block. Hold the iron weight at the top of the rails and release it. The weight will fall to the bottom and pound the nail into the wood.

SUGGESTIONS:

EQUIPMENT: Pile driver, wood block with nail and hammer.

SETUP TIME: 10 minutes

KEYWORDS: potential energy kenetic energy work