Cool ball and feather drop experiment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a video demonstrating the drop of a ball and feather in a vacuum chamber, exploring the implications of such an experiment on the understanding of free fall and acceleration in a vacuum. The conversation includes reactions to the video's availability and technical aspects related to the presentation of the experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enjoyment of the vacuum chamber video and its demonstration of physics concepts.
  • There are multiple comments regarding the availability of the video, with some participants able to view it while others cannot.
  • A participant humorously suggests that giving computers "tasty snacks" can improve their performance, leading to light-hearted banter.
  • One participant raises a concern that showing the experiment in slow motion might mislead viewers into thinking that acceleration of free fall is reduced in a vacuum.
  • Another participant reassures that the Physics Forums community can help clarify any misconceptions that arise from the video.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the enjoyment of the video and its content, but there is a disagreement regarding the implications of the slow-motion presentation on viewers' understanding of free fall in a vacuum. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential misconceptions that may arise from the video.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the technical presentation of the experiment, particularly concerning the effects of slow motion on viewer interpretation.

davenn
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some may not have seen this video done in a vacuum chamber

enjoy
 
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Pfft, it was done better elsewhere ;)



Just kidding, cool giant vacuum chamber!
 
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The video is unavailable.
 
Fervent Freyja said:
The video is unavailable.

Hmm. Both videos are working for me. Did you say something nice to your computer lately? They get cranky if you don't. :wink:
 
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Drakkith said:
Hmm. Both videos are working for me. Did you say something nice to your computer lately? They get cranky if you don't. :wink:

both videos still OK here too
 
Drakkith said:
Hmm. Both videos are working for me. Did you say something nice to your computer lately? They get cranky if you don't. :wink:

Oh, sorry, I think it was my browser! Found it elsewhere.

Is that a hint I should write something nice to davenn? Okay, awesome video Dave, very cool.
 
Fervent Freyja said:
Is that a hint I should write something nice to davenn?

Nope. Just a hint that you should give your computer tasty snacks everyone once in a while!
 
Drakkith said:
Nope. Just a hint that you should give your computer tasty snacks everyone once in a while!

I have to brag here: steak wrapped in bacon with fried mushrooms and onions with a stuffed baked potato. I think I've been nice enough today! :smile:
 
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Fervent Freyja said:
I have to brag here: steak wrapped in bacon with fried mushrooms and onions with a stuffed baked potato. I think I've been nice enough today! :smile:

That sounds absolutely divine!
 
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  • #10
Drakkith said:
Nope. Just a hint that you should give your computer tasty snacks everyone once in a while!

Uh huh ... a slice of toast with favourite topping inserted into CD/DVD tray works wonders :wink:
 
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  • #11
I was thinking about trying that experiment by dropping my rent bill alongside some garbage down the garbage chute, but I don't think my landlord would like it.
 
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  • #12
The first video is nice but there is a problem with showing it in slow motion only which is that those not familiar with the physics may get the impression that in a vacuum the acceleration of free fall is reduced.
 
  • #13
Dadface said:
The first video is nice but there is a problem with showing it in slow motion only which is that those not familiar with the physics may get the impression that in a vacuum the acceleration of free fall is reduced.

No worries. They have PF to correct them. :biggrin:
 
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