Mechanics: Galileo's Ramp

PIRA Class: 1C20.35*

Purpose:
To illustrate the quadratic relationship between distance and time.

Description:
A ball rolls down an inclined track experiencing constant acceleration. The ramp is marked at spacings 1, 4, 9, 16. If a student claps each time the ball passes a mark the claps will be evenly spaced in time.

Equipment:
Galileo track and ball (demo room has a larger track and smaller track)

Location:
Shelf 317

Extras:
HTML5 simulation where students vary the position of "bells" and hear beeps each time the ball passes a bell.