Análise do alcance de esfera lançada de diferentes rampas
André Souza de Carvalho
Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido
Sharon Dantas da Cunha
Kytéria Sabina Lopes de Figueredo
Deyvisson da Silva Lopes
Palavras-chave: Tracker, Cicloide, Ensino de Física.
Resumo
A widely used experiment in Physics Laboratory courses to study two-dimensional motion and the principles of energy conservation involves a ramp shaped like a cycloid to launch a sphere. Typically, the sphere starts from a certain height and leaves the ramp at a very small angle. After that, it falls onto a carbon paper sheet placed on the floor, allowing the measurement of its range. This is the traditional approach to the experiment; however, it is possible to explore new possibilities by using ramps with different shapes. The motivation for this work, which follows a qualitative and experimental approach, is to analyze how the ramp’s shape influences the sphere’s range and to compare the results with theoretical models. Four ramps — hyperbolic, parabolic, straight, and cycloidal — were handcrafted using low-cost materials. During the design process, it was necessary to define the width and maximum height of the ramps, as well as their specific shapes. In particular, the study of the brachistochrone problem was required to understand the equation of the cycloid. From a theoretical standpoint, expressions were derived for the range by considering energy conservation, the non-zero exit angle of the sphere, and the rotational effect. The experiment was carried out by measuring the range of the spheres for each ramp shape, keeping the same initial height. The trajectory of the sphere as it left the ramp was recorded so that physical quantities such as descent time, velocity, and acceleration could be determined using video analysis with the Tracker software.Preliminary results showed that both the ramp shape and the exit angle of the sphere significantly affect the range and the fall time between the table and the floor.