J D Hey et al 2004 Eur. J. Phys. 25 63 doi:10.1088/0143-0807/25/1/009
Falling faster than in free fall?
J D Hey, L Kolb and R Piasecki
Show affiliationsA method is described of enhancing a demonstration of a falling beam, initially carrying a pair of ball bearings, so that an observer can compare and contrast the motion of objects in free fall with that of an extended body constrained at one point. The physical principles of falling, while rotating about a fixed point, are discussed in the special case of the thin rectangular beam. The location and particular properties of the centre of oscillation provide interesting insight into the process, both in terms of the relevant equations and for the demonstration itself. The optimal initial angle of inclination of the beam is 
for viewing the separate motion of a ball bearing placed at the end. Even under optimal conditions, the visual quality and impact of the demonstration are greatly improved by use of a video camera and digital image storage for repetition in 'slow motion'.
- PACS
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46.70.De Beams, plates and shells
84.40.Ua Telecommunications: signal transmission and processing; communication satellites
07.07.Hj Display and recording equipment, oscilloscopes, TV cameras, etc.
- Subjects
- Dates
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Issue 1 (January 2004)
Received 16 April 2003
Published 15 October 2003
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Falling faster than in free fall?
J D Hey et al 2004 Eur. J. Phys. 25 63
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