ERIC Number: EJ1073148
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1940-5847
EISSN: N/A
Which Accelerates Faster--A Falling Ball or a Porsche?
Rall, James D.; Abdul-Razzaq, Wathiq
Contemporary Issues in Education Research, v5 n2 p67-70 2012
An introductory physics experiment has been developed to address the issues seen in conventional physics lab classes including assumption verification, technological dependencies, and real world motivation for the experiment. The experiment has little technology dependence and compares the acceleration due to gravity by using position versus time graphs and the kinematic equation. The students are then asked to compare the acceleration they found to the one of a Porsche car which they seem surprised when they learn about it. This experiment may contribute significantly to the understanding of the concept of acceleration and the appreciation for the force of gravity.
Descriptors: Introductory Courses, Physics, Science Instruction, Science Experiments, Motion, Science Materials, Power Technology, Kinetics, Scientific Concepts, Scientific Principles, Higher Education, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: West Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A