Re: [Phys-l] teaching energy

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 09/30/2006 05:44 PM, Bob LaMontagne wrote:

> Potential energies, on the other hand, are way of easily calculating how a
> conservative force will change a KE if an object changes position. That is
> difficult, if not impossible, for a student to associate with a concrete
> image.

A) In the classroom:
  Book on high shelf = high potential energy.
  Book on lower shelf = lower potential energy.

B) Student pilots have an _easier_ time estimating their height (PE)
than their airspeed (KE).