Bowling Ball on a String

A bowling ball on a cable is hung from the ceiling. When the ball is pulled back and released it will move like a giant pendulum returning almost to its starting position. This demonstrates Conservation of Energy. There is a small loss due to friction and air resistance so the bowling ball will not make it all the way back to it's starting position.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Setup:

Hang the bowling ball on the cable from the track in the ceiling of the room.

Pull the ball back to some fixed position. Release the ball and watch it travel away and back almost to its' starting position.

Notes:

Do not push the ball or it will hit you! Just release the ball!

Make sure the cable is securely fastened to the ball and to the track at the ceiling of the room.

Courses Used In:

  • PHY 10111

  • PHY 10310

  • PHY 10410

  • PHY 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

  • Why can the ball never get higher than its starting position?

  • What would cause it to go higher?

Equipment Needed:

  • Bowling Ball on a Cable