Unit 4: The Conservation of Energy

     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. You will undoubtedly find this unit energizing!

Suggested timeframe: 3 weeks

Big Ideas:
•Physical systems (that may have internal structure) and objects (that do not have internal structure) can be characterized by certain properties.
•The concept of force can be used to describe the interactions between objects in systems or between systems themselves.
•Systems can change due to interactions with other systems.
•Laws of conservation of certain properties of systems restrict the manner in which systems can change due to interactions.