Metal balls on tracks part 1: Testing Experiment
Aim
Predict which ball (using the color of the corresponding track) will finish the race first if all of them are released simultanously.
Prior Knowledge
- Kinematics of accelerated motion.
- Dynamics of accelerated motion.
- Energy conservation.
Description of the Experiment
Four metal balls are placed on the top of four differently shaped tracks. Looking at the apparatus, predict which ball will be first to reach the end of the track if all balls are released simultaneously. Explain clearly why you made a particular prediction. What physics principles did you use? What assumptions did you make? Do not push "play" button before you make a prediction.
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Questions
- What is the model that you used to make the prediction? What are the fundamental physics ideas on which the model is based?
- Did the outcome of the experiment match your prediction?
- If the outcome did not match your prediction, should you modify the fundamental ideas? Should you modify the assumptions?
