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Mechanics

1G10.18 – Fan cart

Although the force generated by the fan is constant, the track and wheels restrict the movement, and thus the component of force in the direction of movement is proportional to the sine of the angle.

1D15.20 – High road low road

Although the total potential energy converted to kinetic energy is the same for each ball, the ball on the “low road” has a higher velocity for longer, and will thus reach the end first.

1N30.10 – Newton’s Cradle

This demonstration illustrates mechanical energy conservation in collisions. The number of balls that move is equal to the number of balls released, which shows the energy is conserved.

1R10.10 – Hooke’s Law

This demonstration shows Hooke’s law, in this case for the extension of a spring. Knowing that the force applied to the spring is directly proportional to the extension caused by that force, we can find a value for the constant of proportionality that relates these quantities.

1M40.20 – Loop the loop

This demonstration illustrates energy conservation in an object undergoing rotation, as well as centripetal force. The forces and energy types involved are (translational and rotational) kinetic energy, (gravitational) potential energy and centripetal and normal forces.

1D60.15 – Ballistic Cart

This demonstration illustrates projectile motion. Specifically, it describes how a projectile launched vertically with a certain horizontal velocity will keep said velocity and describe a parabola in its flight