The following graph, excerpted from Gravity, Springs, & Collisions: Volume 2 from Schottenbauer Publishing, shows a disk traveling on an air hockey table.
Discussion Questions
- How many collisions occur in the graph?
- Draw a sketch of the air hockey table, showing the points of collision with sides of the table. Label each point of collision with the time. Number each segment of the journey.
- Make a table, listing each segment in one column. In the next column, describe whether the effects of friction are present (yes/no).
- How many collisions occur before the effects of friction are apparent?
- Calculate the average speed of the puck during each segment. Add these to the table from #3.
- Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the puck. The air hockey puck has mass of 1.22 g, diameter 3.2 cm, and height 0.2 cm.
- In the final segment, what is the average kinetic energy of the puck?
- Why does the puck eventually stop? Draw a diagram of the side of the puck, showing theoretical initial and final conditions.
Over 8,000 graphs from Schottenbauer Publishing provide additional real-life topics for student learning, including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics.
Additional Information
