Rolling for momentum. As part of a study of mechanical energy, momentum, and friction, class members experiment rolling a ball down an incline and having it collide with a cup. Groups take multiple measurements and perform several calculations of the motion of the ball. The class then comes together to discuss the way the concepts of motion are revealed by the experiment.

Concepts

rolling, kinetic energy, momentum, motion, potential energy, frictional force, coefficient of friction

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Provide a list of the equations that would help groups complete the activity 
• Assign groups different heights and ask them to share their data with the entire class

Classroom Considerations

• Calculators may be helpful with the calculations

Pros

• A diagram shows how the setup should look
• There is a middle school version of the activity 

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSA-REI.B.3 HSA-REI.B.4.a HSA-REI.B.4.b