UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Independence of X-Y Motion (Two Ball Drop)

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 83

Independence of X-Y Motion (Two Ball Drop)

ID # 83

Description:

There are two small steel balls on a platform. When the system is triggered, one ball falls straight down while the other is projected horizontally with a loaded spring. Each one hits a carefully pre-positioned metal plate, so that when they hit, there is a distinct "clink" that the audience can hear. As can be heard, the two balls hit at the same time, and this shows that the X and Y components of motion are independent of each other.

Picture of Independence of X-Y Motion (Two Ball Drop)

Physics Concept:

Mechanics
Kinematics in Two Dimensions
Projectile Motion

The demonstration takes about 1 minute to perform.