Investigation of Mechanical Energy Transformation in a Traditional Slingshot System
Alvina Neratania, Sarwanto, Lita Rahmasari

Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta

Abstract

The traditional slingshot game is a form of local wisdom that has the potential to serve as a contextual learning resource in physics education. However, the use of traditional games as a medium for linking physics concepts has not yet been optimized, even though the slingshot involves the concepts of energy transformation and the law of conservation of mechanical energy. This study aims to analyze the concept of the law of conservation of mechanical energy in the slingshot game through an experimental approach. The research method employed was experimental research through data collection in the form of observations, measurements, and documentation of experimental results. The results indicate that an increase in the length of the slingshot rubber affects the magnitude of elastic potential energy converted into kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy during the projectile^s motion. Data analysis reveals a quadratic relationship between the increase in slingshot rubber length and the projectile^s trajectory height. Additionally, the results of linear regression show a slope value representing the influence of system-limiting factors, such as air resistance and energy loss during the launching process. These findings suggest that the slingshot game can serve as a contextual physics learning medium to help students understand the concept of the law of conservation of energy more meaningfully through direct experience. Thus, the slingshot game has the potential to become an alternative physics learning resource integrated with local culture.

Keywords: contextual physics learning, elastic potential energy, mechanical energy conservation, slingshot experiment

Topic: Physics Education