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