Basically, you have to remember that the acceleration due to gravity only affects the vertical component. Gravity has no effect on the horizontal motion. So if you drop a bullet and fire a bullet from the same height, they should hit the ground at the same time. Since you can't bring a gun into the classroom, I decided to show this principle with a Nerf Dart Gun.
***Quick Note before the video: We shot this on an iPhone and I can't figure out how to get the dimensions. Because of that, I look nothing like myself in the video. Otherwise, I am pretty proud to get the results that we did with cheap kids' toys and a cell phone camera.
Enjoy!
Awesome Adam!! I think I have it, now it is time to go find some materials and try it out. I may be calling you for more help, but the video is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHey, I will create a demonstration of the event modeled with parametric equations on a calculator and send it to you.
Julie
Cool! I hope that it works out. We ran out of time, but you can take this to the next level by attaching a stuffed animal to a quick release system on the ceiling. Aim the dart directly at the middle of the animal. Both the dart and the animal are still affected by gravity and will fall at the same rate. If done correctly (aiming and timing), they should hit each other about halfway on the way to the ground.
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