SHS2 Physics · Semester 1 Week 6: Matter

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.1.2.LI.3 - Calculate the energy stored in an elastic material.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define elastic potential energy as the energy stored in a deformed elastic material.
Derive the formula for energy stored in an elastic material (E = 1/2 F e) from work done during stretching.
Calculate the energy stored in a spring using E = 1/2 F e and E = 1/2 k e².
Determine the area under a load-extension graph and interpret it as the stored energy.
Compare the energy stored in different elastic materials given their force constants and extensions.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Mechanics and Matter (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Matter (1.2)
Content standard: 2.1.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding the behaviour of materials. 2.1.2.LO.1 Use the concept of elasticity to predict the behaviour of materials under the influence of stress and strain.
Indicator: 2.1.2.LI.3 - Calculate the energy stored in an elastic material.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 6 (Week 6 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 94

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project - based learning: Let learners calculate the area under the load-extension graph and guide learners to deduce the energy store.
Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Assessment (2.1.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- Internet
- Projectors
- YouTube
- Interactive virtual laboratory
- Retort stand
- Spring
- Loading pan
- Metre rule
- Pointer
- Masses