Experiment with rolling balls-Why were results different at different heights?

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SUMMARY

The experiment with rolling balls down ramps at heights of 10 inches and 21 inches revealed inconsistent results based on ball density and mass. At 10 inches, denser balls, such as the pool ball and golf ball, achieved faster times, while at 21 inches, the results favored heavier balls like the basketball and pool ball. The discrepancy is attributed to the moment of inertia at lower heights and possibly frictional forces at higher heights. Understanding the impact of critical angle and rolling versus slipping is essential for explaining these findings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics concepts such as moment of inertia
  • Familiarity with the principles of friction and rolling motion
  • Knowledge of experimental design and data analysis
  • Ability to interpret results from physical experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of moment of inertia on rolling objects
  • Explore the role of friction in rolling versus slipping scenarios
  • Investigate the concept of critical angle in physics
  • Study the relationship between mass, density, and acceleration in rolling motion
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Students, educators, and parents involved in physics education, particularly those conducting experiments related to motion and forces.

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Experiment with rolling balls--Why were results different at different heights?

1. My son's science fair data is hard to understand. In a speed test rolling four balls down a ramp at 10" and 21" height the results were not consistent between the two heights. At the 10" height the balls with the most density had faster times down the ten foot ramp. (pool ball, gulf ball, basketball, foam ball) At the 21" height the balls won according to their mass. (basketball, pool ball, gulf ball, foam ball) We figured that the 10" data was due to the moment of inertia but we are not able to figure out the reason it switched at the 21" height.

2. We are not able to work with many equations at his level.


3.We are researching and wondering if the height change made such a difference because of the critical angle or because of the change in slipping or rolling? We are over our heads but it would be great to explain his findings in some way.
 
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Is this a question for a book or are we talking about an irl son here?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say friction of some kind is behind your problems..
If there's a problem it's almost always friction
 

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