“How does the steepness of a slope and mass affect a
collision outcome?”
I used various heights and cars to see if it will affect a
collision outcome. One the first try I used 1 book, then 2 books, and next 3
books. With each try I use the small marble to collide with the large marble
then I used the large marble to collide with the smaller marble. There was not
a different with the masses of the two objects but the height made a different
where they rolled after they landed. I
expect when using 3 books, when the larger marble collided with the smaller marble
it rolled a longer distance.
The experiment went well for the most part. Finding the
right surface was the hardest part. The classroom floors were uneven so I
decided to use the carpet instead.
The modifications I would make to this experiment, is
releasing the marble from a different height on the ruler to get a different or
modified result will be to specify what surface and type of cars to use.
I would use race tracks at different heights and cars with
different masses. I will make it more like a race since most students are compative.
I will time them to see which car crosses the finish line first.
I would like for my students to understand that force and
motion is a part of our daily lives. I would like for them to have an
understanding of the Newton’s three laws of motion.
This sounds like a great experiment to do with students! I think my students would want to try all different scenarios to test the collisions. Did you find it to be a great experiment for Newtons Law? Do you think students will understand the law by doing the collision experiment alone?
ReplyDeleteI also completed an experiment to test the effect of mass and steepness on the collision outcome of two objects. I changed the mass of the car at the top of the ramp and the slope gradient each time. I thought that the experiment went well also. I like your idea of using marbles. I used the different size washers attached to the car to increase the mass.
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