This activity was adapted from http://paer.rutgers.edu/pt3/experiment.php?topicid=13&exptid=161 accessed 12.41 am 18/01/2014

The aim of this activity is to make and test a prediction on the relative velocities of four identical balls when they reach the bottom of each of four different tracks.

The four balls, which have the same mass and radius, are released simultaneously from the top of the track. As seen from the image below they are released from the same height and are allowed to drop to the floor at the end of the track. Where they land is marked by a red dot on the floor.

Looking at the different tracks, predict:

- which ball will fly the greatest distance off the track.

- which ball will fly off track first. Specify the colour of the track.

Keep in mind that each track is the same distance off the floor and horizontal at the point where the ball leaves the track.

Based on your knowledge of Newton's laws and energy conservation what assumptions are you using in making your prediction?

Click to see the experiment

1) Was your prediction correct?

2) If the outcome did not match your prediction, should you modify the:

- fundamental ideas? Explain how

- assumptions? Explain why