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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Free Fall
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- Choose a gravity acceleration from 3 possibilities.
- Choose the body mass from 3 possibilities.
- A cursor lets you choose the free fall height.
- Press the “Show Ruler” button to get a graduated scale, which can be moved to measure the free fall height.
- Press the “Release” button to release the body into free fall and at the same time starts the stopwatch.
- Press the “Position” button to place the body in the starting position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
This simulation allows the study of free fall movement for heights of up to 100 cm, compatible with equipment normally used in physics teaching laboratories. There are 3 gravity acceleration options (Earth, Moon and Mars). The free fall height can be adjusted by moving a cursor and can be measured with a ruler. An automatic timer starts when the body is released and stops when the body touches the timer surface. Time is recorded in seconds to three decimal figures. There are 3 mass options for checking the influence of mass on fall time. The simulation presents a fluctuation in the fall time values to represent the experimental errors.
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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