Question 3

The figure shows a single man on a lift at three consecutive moments in time, moving to the right and upwards.
At time t1 the man drops a ball.
Which path will the ball take as it falls to the ground?

A
B
C

Average: = 31%

Comment:

The knowledge to be applied is the same as in item 2.1 but the applied force is different. So the problem is a different one for our students. Their daily life experience tells them that all objects fall down perpendicularly and so most of them chose A as answer.

When I as physics teacher see my students do so, I feel ashamed. What can be done so that our students refer more to basic principles and get more independent of specific situations?