Mechanics: Simultaneous Fall

PIRA Class: 1D60.20

Purpose:
To demonstrate the independence of horizontal velocity and vertical acceleration.

Description:
Two balls, simultaneously dropped (one projected horizontally), hit the floor at the same time.

1. Mount apparatus on a ring stand such that it extends out over the edge of the counter

2. Cock apparatus's "gun" and load balls

3. Give release arm a sharp knock with a rigid stick

4. Have students watch and listen for whether balls strike floor at the same time.

NOTE: If floor is carpeted, place pie pans on the floor so that balls strike the pans when they land

Equipment:
Simultaneous fall device with balls and pie pans, ring stand and clamp, meter stick (a large C-clamp rather than a ring stand with a base helps to extend the device past the edge of the table so that both balls can fall to the floor).

Location:
Shelf 112, ring stand and clamps are on shelves 152/153