Energy Converter — Free Online Conservation of Energy Physics Game
Energy Converter tracks kinetic and potential energy in real time — the live energy bars show every joule as the ball moves. Route the ball through ramps, springs and friction pads to arrive at the goal with precisely the right kinetic energy.
The physics behind the game
Conservation of energy
In a frictionless system, total mechanical energy is constant. The ball trades height for speed and speed for height throughout its journey.
Gravitational potential energy
The energy stored by virtue of height. A 1 kg ball raised 1 m gains 9.8 J of PE. All of that converts to KE when it falls.
Kinetic energy
Energy of motion. Doubling speed quadruples KE. This is why friction becomes so important at high speeds.
Spring potential energy
A compressed spring stores energy proportional to the square of compression. Stiffer springs (higher k) store more energy for the same compression distance.
Work done by friction
Friction removes mechanical energy, converting it irreversibly to heat. The work done against friction equals μ (coefficient) × normal force × distance.