Unit 4: The Conservation Laws

     Force analysis, as you have been exposed to in the previous two units, is not the only method to solve mechanics problems.  In fact, there are certain types of problems that can be better solved with another of the "Big Ideas", the Conservation of Energy. In this unit you will learn how to keep track of the transformations that energy undergoes in a system...from one form to another. Additionally you will learn about momentum and its conservation during collisions.  You will undoubtedly find this unit energizing!

Suggested timeframe: 3 weeks

Big Ideas:
1. A system has energy if it can do work.
2. Work occurs when an object is displaced by a force.
3. Potential energy is related to the arrangements of particles in a system.
4. Energy is conserved in a system when the change in potential energy is related to the force acting on it.
5. Power is the rate at which energy is used.
6. Momentum is conserved during collisions and explosions.