PI Problems: Gravity

PI Problems for the Physics Suite
Edward F. Redish

Peer Instruction Problems:
Gravity

Note: The problems in this section test the ideas of Newtonian gravitation. For problems that deal with motion under the (treated as) constant gravitation near the earth's surface, see the section on dynamics (motion under the influence of forces).

Problem Name Comments Source Demo (UMd)

GR1. Lassoing the Moon Students have a great deal of trouble with Newtonian gravitation at first. Despite the fact that they have already studied the forces in circular motion, they are likely not to activate that knowledge here. The best answer is probably answer 6 (none of the above), but a discussion of why the answers given are not correct (even though some of them are ture) can be very valuable. EFR

Work supported in part by a grant from the US National Science Foundation.

Maintained by Edward F. Redish
Comments and questions may be directed to redish@umd.edu

Page last modified July 4, 2004

Problem Name	Comments	Source	Demo (UMd)
GR1. Lassoing the Moon	Students have a great deal of trouble with Newtonian gravitation at first. Despite the fact that they have already studied the forces in circular motion, they are likely not to activate that knowledge here. The best answer is probably answer 6 (none of the above), but a discussion of why the answers given are not correct (even though some of them are ture) can be very valuable.	EFR