Metal balls on tracks part 2: Testing Experiment

Aim

To make and test a prediction about the relative velocities of the balls when they reach the bottom of the track.

Prior Knowledge

• Newton's Laws.
• Energy principles.

Description of the Experiment

The four balls a released simultaneously from the top of the track. (They are released from the same height.) They are allowed to fly off the end of the track and land on the floor. Make a qualitative prediction about which ball will land the farthest, if any, based on your knowledge of Newton's laws and energy conservation. What assumptions are you using in making your prediction?

Addtional Information

All the balls are identical, they have the same mass and radius. Each track is precisely horizontal at its end and at the same height.

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