Click here for instructions about the SIM.
note:Units can be any units you would like to use.
Rotation Period
s
Radius
Drop Height
Inertial frame
Non-Inertial frame A Blog post describing the SIM is here Go Back To Top
If you don't want to read the blog ...here are some things to try..Remember, predict before doing.
Note:keep the drop height small compared to radius for the first 5 questions
1) Showing the motion in Inertial frame, where will the ball land? in front, below, behind?
2) Does the motion of the ball make sense after release? Do we need to make up a some "mystery force" to explain the motion?
3) Change the spin rate. Will it affect where it lands? yes/no?
4) Increase radius, keeping drop height the same , how will it affect landing position? same,closer,farther?
5) Showing the motion in the Non-inertial frame, Do we need to make up a some "mystery force" to explain the motion?
6) Move the ball near the center of the space station. Drop the ball in the Inertial frame of reference view. Things make sense?
7) Does dropping the ball at a different place in the rotation affect how far the ball lands away? yes/no?
Predict what you would see in Non-inertial..mmmm
Ah the joys of choosing the proper frame of reference!!
Can you qualitatively explain each case to a "layman"?