Wrecking ball: energy of motion
A heavy ball on a rod swings down and smashes a brick wall. An energy and momentum experiment for kids 7+.
2D
Age 7+10 min
EnergyOscillationsMomentum & collisions
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Press “Run”. Bodies move by the laws of physics: gravity, friction, elasticity.
What the experiment shows
The ball is lifted aside and released. Potential energy turns into motion and at the bottom the ball hits the wall.
How to run it
- Press “Run” and see the bricks fly.
- Raise the ball — the damage gets bigger.
- Make the ball light — does the wall hold?
Questions to discuss
- What does the force of the hit depend on?
- Why is the ball fastest at the bottom?
The science
Potential energy m·g·h turns into kinetic energy mv²/2: v = √(2gh). The higher and heavier the ball, the more energy it gives to the wall.
Try it at home
Hang a heavy nut on a string and hit a tower of matchboxes from different heights.
What to change in the editor
- Build a taller wall.
- Increase the bricks’ friction.