1M40.60 Height of a Ball

A device to project a ball upward at different known velocities to show dependence of kinetic energy on the square of velocity.

Spin the apparatus and release the ball as the arm is passing the table top. The ball reaches a maximum height functional to the initial speed. Using a metronome set at 104 and 208 yields heights of roughly 1 foot and 4 feet.

 

A metal shaft has weights fixed near one end, and a marble-sized ball on the other end. The shaft is pivoted at a point near the weights. The apparatus is clamped to a second horizontal shaft that is fixed at table height. A vertical classroom-scale ruler gives students a chance to mark the maximum height of the ball on release. A digital metronome rests on the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: C2-4

Originally published in October 1961 AJP  29 (10) 409