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Energy Conservation Ramp Lab — Ramp, Flat, Hill

A sliding block (no rotation) is released from rest at height h on a frictionless curved ramp, crosses a flat section with kinetic friction μ_k, then climbs a frictionless hill. PE = 0 at the flat section. g = 9.81 m/s².

Release

Release height h m Mass m kg

Track

μ_k on the flat Flat length L_f m Hill height H₂ m

Friction acts only on the flat section; the ramps are frictionless. Each full crossing of the flat turns μ_k·m·g·L_f of mechanical energy into thermal energy. The block leaves the track at the end of the 1 m plateau on top of the hill.

Simulation

Sim speed × Show energy bars

Predictions assume a single crossing of the flat. If h − μ_k·L_f > H₂ the block clears the hill (measured h_max caps at H₂); otherwise it rolls back, crosses the flat again, and eventually stops there. With μ_k = 0 it clears whenever h > H₂. v is the signed speed along the track (+ = toward the hill).

t = 0.000 s

KE PE E_mech — energy vs t

v — speed along track vs t

KE PE Emech — energy vs t

v — speed along track vs t

Data table

KE PE E_mech — energy vs t