Physics of a Falling Slinky

Physics of a Falling Slinky

Assessment

Interactive Video

Physics, Science

9th - 12th Grade

Hard

Created by

Olivia Brooks

FREE Resource

The video tutorial demonstrates an experiment involving a slinky and a tennis ball. The setup involves tying a tennis ball to the base of a slinky and dropping it to observe the behavior. The experiment is analyzed in slow motion, revealing that the tennis ball remains stationary until the slinky collapses. This phenomenon is explained through the forces acting on the ball, highlighting the counterintuitive nature of physics. The tutorial concludes with a discussion on the unexpected results and a light-hearted analogy.

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9 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What object is attached to the base of the slinky in the experiment?

A tennis ball

A basketball

A golf ball

A baseball

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the role of the tennis ball in the experiment?

To add weight

To change color

To bounce

To make noise

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What happens to the tennis ball when the slinky is initially dropped?

It moves upwards

It remains stationary

It falls immediately

It bounces

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What force counteracts the weight of the tennis ball during the fall?

Tension force

Magnetic force

Air resistance

Gravity

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the purpose of using slow-motion footage in the experiment?

To hear the sound clearly

To analyze the forces involved

To observe the slinky's speed

To see color changes

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why is the experiment considered counterintuitive?

The slinky changes color

The tennis ball floats

The slinky supports the ball

The ball disappears

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the main reason for studying physics according to the video?

To memorize formulas

To understand unexpected phenomena

To calculate distances

To build machines

8.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What humorous analogy is used to describe the experiment?

Flying with wings

Jumping with a pogo stick

Falling with a parachute

Falling with a big slinky

9.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the suggested alternative to using a slinky for safety?

A trampoline

A parachute

A safety net

A bungee cord