Science of Technology

As a consequence of Newton's First Law, objects will move in a circular path only when an external force is applied to them. When that force is removed, they will maintain a constant speed in a direction tangent to the circle.

The interactive page, captured in the image below, will launch a ball through a tube. What will happen when it exits the tube?

The Discover tab sets up random tubes and ball speeds, and allows the user to observe the path of the ball.

The Explore tab adds a velocity vector to the ball, a tangent line to the curve at its opening, and a yellow target.

The Master tab sets up a target, and gives control of the tube and ball properties to make the ball hit the target.

The More tab leads here.