Inertia of Motion: Air Track

PIRA 1F30.10 - Inertia of Motion: Air Track

Picture Shows Demonstration Used by the University of Texas at Austin.

Instructions / Notes:

This demo includes a three meter air track with a selection of four gliders: two "elastic" and two "inelastic."
The air track consists of a perforated rail connected to a Pasco air supply.
Turn on the air supply underneath the table using the red "on/off" switch.

Concepts Conveyed:

Compressed air is sprayed from the holes, forming a thin layer on the surface of the track. This simulates a nearly frictionless system.
Simulate elastic and inelastic collisions.

Demo Staff:

Be sure the air track is leveled. The right side of the lecture hall (if facing the audience) is more level than the other side.