UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Inclined Plane with Lights and Bowling Ball

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 77

Inclined Plane with Lights and Bowling Ball

ID # 77

Description:

Lights on the side of a ramp are placed so that their distance from the starting point of a ball rolling down the ramp is proportional to the square of the time from when the ball is released. The lights are all flashed at a frequency determined by the angle of inclination so that the lights flash when the ball passes over each light.

Picture of Inclined Plane with Lights and Bowling Ball

Physics Concept:

Mechanics
Kinematics in One Dimension
Uniform Acceleration

The demonstration takes about 2 minutes to perform.