'U' rails of different shapes, steel ball
'U' rails of different shapes, steel ball
'U' rails of different shapes, steel ball

 

Code Number: 1M40.30

Demo Title: Gravity Rail

Condition: Good

Principle: Conservation of Energy

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

'U' rails of different shapes, steel ball.

Procedure:

Clean the tracks and set up so that they are level.  Care should be take to ensure that the track rails are not damaged or bent in any way.

When operating properly the ball on the large "U" rail should go for up to 10 minutes.

References:

  • Yau-Jong Twu, "From Rolling Without Slipping to Sweet Spots", TPT, Vol. 58, #3, Mar. 2020, p. 218.
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics: Direction of Friction", TPT, Vol. 49, #1, Jan. 2011, p. 7.
  • Paul Hewitt, "Hewitt's Response", TPT, Vol. 46, #2, Feb. 2008, p. 70.
  • Christopher LaSota, "Comment on 'Rolling Ball' (Figuring Physics, Dec. 2007)", TPT, Vol. 46, #2, Feb. 2008, p. 70.
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics: Rolling Ball", TPT, Vol. 45, #9, Dec. 2007, p. 534.
  • M. W. Ramsdell and D. P. Wick, "Predicting Turning Points for Toy Cars", TPT, Vol. 43, #7, Oct. 2005, p. 442.
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics: Plate on the Earth", TPT, Vol. 40, #8, Nov. 2002, p. 456.
  • Alan Cromer, "An Unusual Rolling−Sphere Phenomenon", TPT, Vol. 34, #1, Jan. 1996, p. 48.
  • Rod Cross, "Sliding and Rolling Along Circular Tracks in a Vertical Plane", AJP, Vol. 91, #5, May 2023, p. 351.
  • Dale R. Blaszczak, "The Roller Coaster Experiment", AJP, Vol. 59, #3, Mar. 1991, p. 283.
  • G. D. Freier and F. J. Anderson, "Mr-2", A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • Jodi and Roy McCullough, "Work and Energy with Hot Wheels Car", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics", p. 4.18.
  • Borislaw Bilash II and David Maiullo, "Galileo, Energy Conservationist", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 91.
  • Robert Ehrlich, "Ball in a Parabolic Potential Well", Why Toast Lands Jelly-Side Down, p. 130 - 131.
1M40.30 - GRavity Rail
1M40.30 - Dr. James Wetzel, PHYS 1611 - Gravity Rail