Warren Wilson Physics

Inertia. A massive bowling ball (black) and a small green ball are launched with the same initial velocity (blue arrow). Both masses experience the same small friction force of 0.1 N (shown as green arrows on the balls).

Explain the difference between the two paths. Why does the friction have a negligible effect on the bowling ball, yet manages to stop the small green ball? Use the ideas of inertia, force, and acceleration. Explain how this demo relates to one of the experiments in the lab.

Use the back arrow on your browser to return to the MOODLE quiz.

Physlets developed by Wolfgang Christian of Davidson College.  Javascript by Donald Collins at Warren Wilson College.