Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

College/Unit

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program/Center

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

An introductory physics experiment has been developed to address the issues seen in conventional physics lab classes including assumption verification, technological dependencies, and real world motivation for the experiment. The experiment has little technology dependence and compares the acceleration due to gravity by using position versus time graphs and the kinematic equation. The students are then asked to compare the acceleration they found to the one of a Porsche car which they seem surprised when they learn about it. This experiment may contribute significantly to the understanding of the concept of acceleration and the appreciation for the force of gravity.

Source Citation

Rall, J. D., & Abdul-Razzaq, W. (2012). Which Accelerates Faster A Falling Ball Or A Porsche?. Contemporary Issues in Education Research (CIER), 5(2), 67-70. https://doi.org/10.19030/cier.v5i2.6921

Comments

The article is supported by the WVU Libraries' Open Access Author Fund.

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