Gaining height
This online resource is a good demonstration of the transfer of energy.
The resource give details of a teacher demonstration on the energy transformations involved in a collision between a basketball and a tennis ball.
A tennis ball is positioned on top of a basketball and the two are dropped from a height. The tennis ball is spectacularly propelled high into the air when they collide with the floor.
The resource also gives a detailed explanation of what’s going on and how to take things further.
Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S8U05 (Year 8), AC9S9U05 (Year 9), AC9S10U05 (Year 10)
Additional Information
It might be worth using the school gymnasium or an outdoor space as this activity is not really appropriate for the science laboratory. It could be done as a student practical activity if enough equipment is available for students to work in groups.
Needs access to basketballs and tennis balls (and ping pong balls if extended).
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