Does mass affect the speed of a falling object? |
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Author(s): Brandon Duran and Kevin Bryan | Discrepant Event
- Teacher's Guide SED 695B; Fall 2005 |
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Detailed Explanation of Discrepant
Event |
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Principles illustrated |
This is a simple demonstration that can foster discussion of many physics topics. Begin by standing on a desk, holding a book and an open piece of paper. Ask "which will hit the ground first if I drop them?" Typically, students will answer the book. Ask why, the answer you will probably get is because "the book is heavier." Then, crumple up the paper (usually to remarks such as "cheater") and drop them. Some follow up questions might be...
This demonstration can be followed up with discussions on Terminal Velocity to talk about balanced and unbalanced forces. This can also be followed up with a discussion of projectile motion with the classic question: "If a bullet is shot forward parallel to the ground without anything in its way, and at the exact same moment another bullet is dropped from the same height, which bullet will hit the ground first?" (Both bullets hit the ground at the same time since gravity is the only force pulling them down) Projectile Motion Demonstration
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Standards 8th Grade 2b. Students know when an object is subject to two or more forces at once, the result is the cumulative effect of all the forces. 2d. Students know how to identify separately the two or more forces that are acting on a single static object, including gravity, elastic forces due to tension or compression in matter, and friction. 2g. Students know the role of gravity in forming and maintaining the shapes of planets, stars and the solar system. Physics 1f. Students know applying a force to an object perpendicular to the direction of its motion causes the object to change direction but not speed (e.g., Earth's gravitational force causes a satellite in a circular orbit to change direction but not speed). |
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Questioning Script Prior knowledge & experience:
Root question:
Target response:
Common Misconceptions:
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References & Links: Free Fall vs Air Resistance: Applet on Projectile Motion: |