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Experiment 3

Experiments 1 and 2 dealt with ones that Galileo could have done and with a couple of thought experiments. This section deals with an experiment similar to one we know Galileo conducted.

Trying to determine the rate at which falling objects accelerate posed a problem for Galileo. Timing the fall of objects was pretty much impossible, since the timepiece needed to do the job had not yet been invented. So how did he measure the acceleration?

First, Galileo had to reduce the effect of gravity. To do this, he used an inclined plane. Next he made the logical assumption that a ball rolling down a plane accelerates at the same rate as one in free fall. So now all he had to do was figure out how fast a ball would accelerate down the plane in order to determine the rate at which falling objects accelerated.

On the next page you'll be presented with an apparatus that consists of an inclined plane, a scale marked out along the plane, a ball, and movable wires. As the ball rolls down the incline, it passes over the wires, which produce a series of audible clicks. Like Galileo, you'll need to figure out how to use the ball, wires, and scale to measure distance and speed.

The goal is to find the rate at which falling objects accelerate.

Next: Begin the experiment...

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