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In this activity, learners explore how two cylinders that look the same may roll down a ramp at different rates. Learners discover that an object's acceleration rate depends partly on how its mass is distributed. Thus, the cylinder with a heavy hub accelerates more quickly than a cylinder with a heavy rim. Use this activity to introduce learners to potential energy and kinetic energy (specifically, linear and rotational kinetic energy).
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 2 identical round metal cookie tins (such as those from butter cookies)
- 10 large metal washers (about 1/4 pound [112 g] each)
- Double-sided foam stick-on tape (or adhesive-backed Velcro™)
- A ramp
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
-
Motion and Forces
- Acceleration
- Rotation Motion
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Energy
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Doherty, Paul ; Teacher Institute, The Exploratorium
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Exploratorium,