Galileo's Inclined Plane Simulation

Juan Carlos Ponce Campuzano, 17/04/2014

The applet on the next page shows a geometric representation of Galileo’s experiment. The inclined plane is represented with a right-angled triangle. The ball is represented with a circle. Finally, in this case, the water clock is represented with a rectangle depicting the tube or pipe that is collecting running water. We are to compare the height of the water with the distance covered by the ball.


  • 1. Inclined plane Episode I
  • 2. Inclined plane Episode II
  • 3. Inclined plane Episode III

1.

Inclined plane Episode I

This simulation allows you to manipulate the angle of inclination of the plane. [br]The point is to get familiar with the applet in preparation for the next activity.[br] [br]What shows you that it takes less time for the ball to roll down planes that are more steeply inclined?
After you have played for a while with the applet, please return to the learning materials and continue.
– Juan Carlos Ponce Campuzano

2.

–

3.

–

Informació