Published In

American Journal of Physics

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2016

Subjects

Physics experiments, Juggling, Ping-pong balls, Friction -- Equipment & supplies

Abstract

Juggling a spinning ball with a ping-pong paddle represents a challenge both in terms of hand-eye coordination and physics concepts. Here, we analyze the ping-pong ball’s motion, and explore how the correct paddle angle relates to the ball’s spin and speed, as it moves vertically up and down. For students, this requires engaging with concepts like momentum, angular momentum, free-body diagrams, and friction. The activities described in this article include high-speed video motion tracking of the ping-pong ball and the investigation of the frictional characteristics of the paddle. They can be done in a physics lab or at home, requiring only inexpensive or commonly used equipment, and can be undertaken by high school or college students.

Description

This is the publishers PDF reproduced with permission. Available after twelve month embargo from original date of publication.

The version of record can be found here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.4964104

DOI

10.1119/1.4964104

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/19455

Download

Included in

Physics Commons

Share

COinS