3B Scientific Air Cushion Plate - Handbuch (Seite 100)

Physical Experiments on the Air-Cushion Table
50
Interpretation:
The air-cushion principle and utilization of the
magnetic repulsive forces between ceramic
magnets allow for demonstrations of fully elastic
collisions.
Note:
Collisions of objects with different masses can
be demonstrated by using a doubled orange disc
as one collision partner and a single disc as the
other.
2.6.3 Change in the Direction of Motion of
an Object with a Force
Components:
Air-cushion table with fan
Overhead projector
Holding device
Plexiglas plate
Manipulating rod
Hover disc, orange
6 Pieces
Model simulation:
Real Object Model
Surface on which the Experiment surface of
object moves the air-cushion table
Object subject to Orange disc
a force
Center of force
Stacked discs
How to proceed:
Align the air-cushion table horizontally, attach
the holding device and insert the Plexiglas plate.
Stack four discs on the Plexiglas plate in the
middle of the experiment surface.
Turn the fan to a medium setting. Set two stacked
discs into slow motion starting from the edge of
the experiment surface. Select a direction
ensuring that it will float along the stacked discs
at a distance of a few centimeters. Repeat the
experiment several times, gradually reducing the
shortest distance between the moving and the
stacked discs. Observe the motion of the hover
discs.
Result:
The hover disc will move in a straight and uni-
form way as long as there is no force acting on it.
Its direction of movement changes near the
stacked discs. The shorter the distance to the
stacked discs, the stronger the change in direction.
Interpretation:
When a moving object is subjected to a force, it
will be accelerated. If the direction of the force
is perpendicular to the motion, the speed remains
unchanged, but the direction of motion changes.
The greater the force, the stronger the change in
direction.
C
ONCLUDING
R
EMARKS
The preceding chapters provide an overview of
the setup, operating mode and possible uses of
the air-cushion table. Approximately 50
experiments are described, including specific
physical annotations, as well as notes on the
laboratory practice of the experiments and their
didactic methodology.
The following remarks are intended to complete
and conclude the instructions for conducting the
experiments: