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Showing 1 to 15 of 58 results Save | Export
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Milsom, John A. – Physics Teacher, 2021
The classic brachistrochrone problem is standard material in intermediate mechanics. Many variations exist including some accessible to introductory students. While a quantitative solution isn't feasible in introductory classes, qualitative discussions can be very beneficial since kinematics, Newton's laws, energy conservation, and motion along…
Descriptors: Mechanics (Physics), Introductory Courses, College Students, Motion
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Ben-Abu, Yuval; Wolfson, Ira; Yizhaq, Hezi – Physics Education, 2018
We suggest an activity for measuring the speed of a bicycle going in circular motion by measuring the bicycle's lean angle. In this activity students will be able to feel the strength that is being activated on their bodies while they are moving in circular motion. They will also understand that it is impossible to ride in a circle without the…
Descriptors: Motion, Physics, Scientific Concepts, Science Instruction
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Hancock, James Brian, II; Lee, May – Science Teacher, 2018
Many teachers are confused about how to implement the phenomena-based teaching recommended by the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013). This article describes one possible approach--purposely repurposing existing activities. This process involves having teachers: (1) Choose a phenomenon that informs the development…
Descriptors: Concept Teaching, Scientific Concepts, Scientific Principles, Teaching Methods
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White, Colin – Physics Education, 2017
This paper describes three methods of measuring the coefficient of restitution (CoR) for two different types of ball-on-ball collision. The first collision type (for which two different CoR measurement procedures are described) is a static, hanging steel ball forming part of a Newton's cradle arrangement, which is then hit by its adjacent…
Descriptors: Comparative Analysis, Measurement Techniques, Motion, Kinetics
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Dias, Marco Adriano; Carvalho, Paulo Simeão; Rodrigues, Marcelo – Physics Education, 2016
Image modelling is a recent technique in physics education that includes digital tools for image treatment and analysis, such as digital stroboscopic photography (DSP) and video analysis software. It is commonly used to analyse the motion of objects. In this work we show how to determine the position of the centre of mass (CM) of objects with…
Descriptors: Physics, Motion, Video Technology, Teaching Methods
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Secco, Richard A.; Sukara, Reynold E. – Physics Teacher, 2016
There are many lab exercises for upper-level school students and freshman undergraduates to measure the value of the local acceleration due to gravity ("g") near Earth's surface. In these exercises, the value of "g" is usually taken to be constant. The approach is often based on measuring the period of a pendulum that is…
Descriptors: College Freshmen, Kinetics, Motion, Science Activities
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Rovšek, Barbara; Guštin, Andrej – Physics Education, 2018
An astronomy "experiment" composed of three parts is described in the article. Being given necessary data a simple model of inner planets of the solar system is made in the first part with planets' circular orbits using appropriate scale. In the second part revolution of the figurines used as model representations of the planets along…
Descriptors: Motion, Scientific Concepts, Scientific Principles, Science Activities
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Benesh, G. A.; Olafsen, J. S. – Physics Teacher, 2014
Stability is often an important consideration in both static and dynamic systems. While introductory students soon grasp the balance of forces required for constant velocity motion, it generally takes longer for them to reliably identify the various torques involved in producing rotational equilibrium. Accelerating systems have the additional…
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Scientific Concepts, Scientific Principles, Physics
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Mills, Allan – Physics Education, 2014
The hydraulic impulse pump utilizes a fraction of the momentum of a flowing stream to lift a small portion of that water to a higher level. There it may be accumulated in an elevated cistern to provide sufficient water for several families, for the pump works 24 h a day with no additional source of energy. The operation of the pump is described,…
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Physics, Water, Equipment
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Nave, Carla M. A. P. F.; Amoreira, Luis J. M. – Physics Teacher, 2014
It is a known fact that it takes a greater effort to run on an exercise treadmill when it is inclined with positive slope than when it is in a horizontal position. The reason seems simple: walking on an inclined treadmill is somehow equivalent to walking up a hill with the same inclination; when we walk up a hill, our own weight does negative work…
Descriptors: Exercise, Physical Activities, Science Activities, Science Education
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Stinner, Art – Physics Teacher, 2014
This article discusses the kinematics and dynamics of equestrian show jumping. For some time I have attended a series of show jumping events at Spruce Meadows, an international equestrian center near Calgary, Alberta, often referred to as the "Wimbledon of equestrian jumping." I have always had a desire to write an article such as this…
Descriptors: Physics, Motion, Kinetics, Athletics
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Christie, Derek – Physics Teacher, 2014
This simple experiment uses an unusual graph straightening exercise to confirm the parallel axis theorem for an irregular object. Along the way, it estimates experimental values for g and the moment of inertia of a tennis racket. We use Excel to find a 95% confidence interval for the true values.
Descriptors: Graphs, Science Education, Racquet Sports, Computation
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Rodrigues, Hilário; Panza, Nelson; Portes, Dirceu; Soares, Alexandre – Physics Education, 2014
This paper is essentially about the general form of Newton's second law for variable mass problems. We develop a model for describing the motion of the one-dimensional oscillator with a variable mass within the framework of classroom physics. We present a simple numerical procedure for the solution of the equation of motion of the system to…
Descriptors: Physics, Scientific Principles, Models, Mechanics (Physics)
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Bednarek, Stanislaw – Physics Education, 2014
This article describes the Lissajous generalized figure and the original instrument for its investigation. Two specially prepared electrodynamic loudspeakers--a horizontal and a vertical--cause oscillations in two mirrors. It is possible to precisely control the motion of the mirrors, achieve a high frequency of oscillation and investigate…
Descriptors: Investigations, Physics, Science Activities, Program Descriptions
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Mills, Allan – Physics Education, 2012
The operation of the puzzling "forever spin" top is explained. This toy makes an intriguing basis for discussion of the physical principles involved. (Contains 8 figures and 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Physics, Motion, Scientific Principles
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