PURPOSE: To demonstrate the independence of velocity components in a dramatic way.

DESCRIPTION: A ball is placed in the funnel and the funnel cocked by compressing a spring. A mass on a string passing over a pulley is attached to the funnel cart, and the cart released so that it accelerates across the track. At a certain point a bump below the track trips a lever, releasing the spring and ejecting the ball vertically. Due to the acceleration of the cart, the ball falls behind the funnel.

Before doing the experiment, ask your students where the ball will fall: in front, behind, or in the funnel. Click your mouse on the photograph above to view an mpeg video of the action.

SUGGESTIONS: Use this demonstration with C2-25: FUNNEL CART,and C2-27: FUNNEL CART ON INCLINE.

See Question of the Week #7 for information on using this demonstration to enhance class involvement.

REFERENCES: (PIRA 1D60.16)

EQUIPMENT: Funnel cart with ball on track, mass on string passing over pulley, as photographed.

SETUP TIME: None.