Table of Contents

Linear Acceleration

Prompts

“What is the trajectory of a ball thrown straight up on the station platform,
as seen by a train going through the station?”

“What if the train is accelerating?”

Context

Estimated Time: 15 minutes, including wrap-up

This SWBQ requires basic familiarity with Newtonian mechanics for constant acceleration. Students are asked to draw the trajectory of a ball thrown straight up on the station platform as seen from a train accelerating through the station, for several values of the (constant) acceleration.

  • The accelerating case is (at first) counterintuitive.
  • This activity sets the stage for rotational acceleration.

Wrap Up

  • First discuss the case of zero acceleration, but nonzero velocity.
  • Then slowly increase the acceleration (opposite to the velocity).
  • Is a boomerang trajectory possible?
  • Which way does gravity (appear to) point on the train?
  • Show prepared pictures if appropriate.

See this page for further discussion.

Powerpoint slide
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