Einstein's Big Idea

Student Handout

Data Sheet

Procedure

1. Calculate the velocity of the marble as it hits the surface of the flour. Enter your calculations in the data table below.

2. Make a graph with Velocity (meters/second) on the y-axis and Energy (depth in centimeters) on the x-axis. Plot the velocity and depth data you have entered into the table below.

3. Draw a smooth curve or line through as many points as possible. Be sure to start drawing your line at the origin 0,0.

4. Square your velocity values and enter them in your data table. Draw a new graph with Velocity² (meters²/second²) on the y-axis and Energy (depth in centimeters) on the x-axis. Plot the velocity² and depth data from the table below.

5. Draw a smooth line through as many of the points as possible, passing your line above or below points that do not line up exactly. Start your line at the origin 0,0.

6. Answer the questions below.

Questions

Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the shape of your Velocity vs. Energy graph?

2. What is the shape of your Velocity² vs. Energy graph?

3. If a straight line on a graph indicates a direct relationship, is energy (measured by depth) directly proportional to velocity or velocity squared?

4. Explain why Albert Einstein wrote E = mc² instead of E = mc.

Velocity vs. Energy Data Table