Sunday, January 29, 2012

Inertia

Today we tested the inertia theory. The theory is that objects in motion will resist movement in a different direction. We tested this theory by having a ramp with a measuring stick next to it. Then we rolled different weighing balls down the ramp and measured how far the balls traveled.

Purpose: To test a hypothesis that a balls with more mass travel farther than balls with less mass.


Procedure: 
  1. Set ball on ramp.
  2. Let go of ball.
  3. Measure distance ball traveled.
  4. Repeat procedure on each ball.

Dependent Variable: Distance.

Independent Variable: Light, Medium, Heavy balls.

Standard Variables: Surface and slope.

Data:

On wood floor, 1/3 of slope:

Heavy balls seem to go farther than light balls.

On carpet, 1/3 of slope:


Even on the carpet, which has more friction than the wood floor, the heavier ball goes farther than the lighter ball.

Conclusion: According to these tests, the heavier balls always go farther than the lighter balls. This would support the inertia theory. However, if the floor was on a upward slope, this may not be the case.


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