1E10.10 - Frames of Reference - Car and Moving Sheet

Code Number:
1E10.10
Demo Title:
Frames of Reference - Car and Moving Sheet
Condition:
Good
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Motorized car, blocks, fiber board sheet, suction cups.
Procedure:

Place the car on the sheet so that it is pointed in the desired direction and release.  You may move the sheet in the same, opposite, or perpendicular direction that the car is moving.  Use the blocks to mark your reference points. 

References:
  • Christopher Chiaverina, "The Versatile Constant Velocity Car", TPT, Vol. 58, #7, Oct. 2020, p. 524.
  • James Vetrone, "Friction Block Used for Demonstrating Vectors", TPT, Vol. 56, #8, Nov. 2018, p. 551.
  • Joshua Grossman, "Frames of Reference in the Classroom", TPT, Vol. 50, # 9, Dec. 2012, p. 548.
  • Donna Berry Conner, "A Quantitative Demonstration of Relative Velocities", A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas, p. 2.
  • Borislaw Bilash and David Maiullo, "Why Did the Boat Cross the River?", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 38.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, “Frames of Reference“, A Demo A Day – A Year of Physical Science Demonstrations, p. 224.


Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.