Galileo’s Cart

Thanks to this cart it is possible to perform experiments on reference systems in translational motion. It is fitted with an electromagnet which holds a steel sphere at a level of 25 cm over the cart’s plane. The release of the sphere is controlled by a photocell which can be activated through a simple torch. The falling point of the sphere is imprinted on a strip of carbon paper, letting students check Galileo’s relativity principle for the systems in uniform and accelerated motion both on an horizontal and on an inclined plane.

 

Supplied Materials:

• 1 Low friction cart
• 2 Steel spheres
• 5 Carbon paper rolls
• 1 Torch
• 1 Support for torch
• 2 Neodymium magnets
• 1 9V battery

Required material not supplied

• 1 Motion plane
• 1 Distance sensor
• 1 Callipers
• 1 Data acquisition system