If you fortunate enough to amass a well-stocked physics lab, you sometimes stumble across a nice apparatus synergy. The other day, I thought to set a Pasco Visual Accelerometer atop a rotational platform. Lo and behold, it worked as expected, with the accelerometer assuring us that the acceleration was directed toward the center. I milked it further to have two accelerometers show that the acceleration was greater farther from the center. The cherry on top was spinning my skinny fish tank half-filled with colored water for the classic parabolic waterline.
I'm often compelled to write demos up so I'll remember to do them next year. And I sometimes draw from my music collection when in need of a demo title.
So check out Will It Go 'Round in Circles? A demonstration of centripetal acceleration.
For those who enjoy "number puzzles" (traditional physics problem-solving problems), I've got you covered, too. Here's the sequel I'll use in my AP Physics B class. You'll need a Newton's Cradle for this gem.
Check out Will It Go 'Round In Advanced Circles?
Enjoy!
1 comment:
ahh, yes...it was interesting to see you fiddle around with that a few days ago.
The "fish tank" was especially interesting
I am worried however as to the amount of time it takes to make a demo like the one you just recently procured.
Post a Comment