1A20.10 Gaussian Collision Board

1A20.10 Gaussian Collision Board

Steel balls roll down a peg board with parallel chutes. Balls falling into chutes should form a probability curve.

Note: Use with video projection for any larger class.

Dark spheres, each about the size of a pinhead, pour from a small funnel into a flat pegboard, with the pegs arranged triangularly. An equilateral triangle is painted on the surface of the pegboard, oriented with its tip below the funnel. After pouring through the pegs, the balls fall into one of a series of columns. The classic Gaussian shape is outlined against the columns, with the maximum oriented below the tip of the pegboard triangle. The photograph shows the tiny spheres corralled in a classic Gaussian distribution.

Gaussian collision board.

Regular video of the Gaussian collision board.

Slow motion video of the Gaussian collision board.

 

Location: grey cabinet in Room 59