Ball on Cart, 1F30.31

Topic and Concept:

• Newton's First Law, [:Newtons1STLaw#InertiaofMotion: 1F30. Inertia of Motion]

Location:

• Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayA2:(A2)]

• Shelf: #5

attachment:BallOnCart03-400.jpg

Abstract:

A ball is placed on a larger cart or dolly, the two being brought to a constant speed. When the larger cart is brought to a sudden stop, the ball flies forward with the original speed in the same direction due to the ball's kinetic inertia.

Important Setup Notes:

• N/A

Setup and Procedure:

1. Place the ball with attached stabilizer on the cart.
2. Slowly accelerate the system to desired velocity.
3. Abruptly stop the cart using the rope or your foot.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• Be careful when stopping the cart. You could injure a toe or two.

Discussion:

As per Newton's first law, an object in motion tends to stay in motion continuing in a straight line. This is precisely what happens. The ball is held on the cart while the ball - cart system is accelerated to the desired velocity. When the cart suddenly stops, the ball "wants" to maintain this velocity (speed and direction). Thus, the ball flies off the cart. It would remain traveling with this speed and direction if gravity and the non-conservative forces like air resistance were not acting on the ball.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• N/A

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