Ball track

How does the exhibit work?

Choose a course and launch a ball into the ball track.

What is the science behind it?

Our ball track is actually one big energy track. When the gears and chains lift the ball up, it gains more and more energy: ‘gravitational energy’. The higher the ball is, the more gravitational energy it has.

Once it’s at the top, it’s ready to begin its journey. As it travels downwards, its gravitational energy is converted into motion, or rather kinetic energy. It rolls! Due to friction with the track, some of the energy is also converted into heat. That is also a form of energy.

As you can see, energy doesn’t disappear. It is converted from one form to another. This is called the law of conservation of energy.

Do people ever say you have too much energy? Then quickly convert it into kinetic energy! For example, with the Photo Opportunity exhibit, or with the Animal Race.

Law of conservation of energy in rollercoasters

Have you ever been on a rollercoaster ride? If so, it usually starts with you being pulled to the highest point. At the very top you have a lot of gravitational energy. Then the adrenaline starts pumping, you brace yourself and quick as a flash you descend. The gravitational energy is converted into kinetic energy and so you gain speed. Whee!

Law of conservation of energy in balls

If you throw a ball up in the air, energy comes into play. We can break this down into steps.

1. You throw the ball into the air. The ball moves upwards and therefore has a lot of kinetic energy.

2. The ball continues upwards but gets slower and slower. The kinetic energy is being converted into gravitational energy.

3. The ball is at its highest point. It no longer has any kinetic energy, but it does have a lot of gravitational energy.

4. The ball starts falling back down. The gravitational energy is converted back into kinetic energy.

5. The ball hits the ground. It has a lot of kinetic energy, but no more gravitational energy.