Question 8

A steel ball is thrown onto a steel plate and is moving along the path shown in the figure.

Please draw the acting force as vector at the positions A, B, C and D.

F only down at A

Average: = 22%

F only up at B

Average: = 22%

F at B larger than others

Average: = 2%

F only down at C

Average: = 23%

F only down at D

Average: = 17%

Comment:

Our results correspond with other findings. When it comes to dropping objects, our daily life experiences take over and we argue like Aristotle. There must be a force in the direction of motion.

The force at point be was by far the most unknown item of the whole test. Quite a lot of transfer is needed to apply knowledge about collision with the situation of a bouncing ball. But transfer, we know it, does practically not happen.