Physics & Astronomy

Loop the Loop

Purpose
To show that the ball never goes as high on the exit side as the height it was released at. Also use to show that the ball will stay on the track and �loop the loop� if it has sufficient speed that the downward centripetal force of the track at the top of the loop exceeds the force of gravity.
Location
Room 138 (on countertop near podium)
Description
Release the ball from various heights on the higher end of the track and have students predict what will happen, then explain what is actually observed.