Investigating the conservation of mechanical energy using video analysis: four cases

Inexpensive video analysis technology now enables students to make precise measurements of an object's position at incremental times during its motion. Such capability now allows users to examine, rather than simply assume, energy conservation in a variety of situations commonly discussed in introductory physics courses. This article describes the use of video analysis software in studying energy conservation for (1) objects in freefall, (2) simple pendulums, (3) objects rolling down inclines, and (4) masses oscillating on springs.