Physics Movies

Trebuchet: Four side-view videos of a small trebuchet firing a small mass (5.0 g). The grid on the background scale screen is 5.1 cm per box, the frame rate of the video camera is 12.6 frames per second, and the trebuchet counterweight is 101 g. Using this information and the frame-to-frame position change of the ball, you can calculate the velocity and acceleration of the ball as it is fired. The velocity and angle of the ball at release can be used, along with some trigonometry and the equations of projectile motion, to predict the range of the ball, and compare it with the observed ranges listed below:

* Movie 1: observed range = 175 cm

* Movie 2: observed range = 165 cm

* Movie 3: observed range = 112 cm

* Movie 4: observed range = 160 cm

Bouncing Ball: Measure the height on successive bounces. How elastic are the bounces? Use the meter stick for scale. The frame rate of the video camera is 12.6 fps if you want to calculate velocities, and compare initial gravitational potential energy to final kinetic energy.

Or use these as examples: take your own movies and analyze them. Its fun!