Scientists are analyzing the velocity of drifting spacecraft and uncovering irregularities that appear to challenge our theory of universal gravitation. So scientists may need to more closely examine the possibility that gravity behaves differently in various regions of space.
As objects fall to Earth, their speed accelerates. That's an effect of gravity that is usually easy to see. In this activity, you won't be watching the effect. Instead, you'll mostly observe acceleration by listening to impact tempos created as strings of washers fall into an aluminum pie pan.
Metal washers or nutsRulerKite stringAluminum pie panScissorsTimer
1. Obtain a length of string about one meter long. Use your ruler and pen to mark off the string at 10-centimeter lengths.
2. Starting at one end of the string, tie a metal washer (or nut) at the position of the first 10-centimeter mark. Secure the washer with a single simple knot.
3. Tie ...
