Uniform Acceleration: Motion in One Dimension
Galileo's Ramp
PIRA Class: 1C20.35*
Purpose
Description
A large wooden ball is rolled down a ramp (made with two
parallel dowels). Ramp has markings for the 1:3:5:7 length intervals. When the ball is
released have students clap hands as ball rolls by the different markings. Students will
note than their clapping time intervals are equal.
VARIATION: Have students clap off their choice of equal time
intervals, mark the position of the ball for each clap, and measure the interval lengths.
(discovering the 1:3:5:7 rule).
Equipment
Galileo' ramp, lg. wooden ball