1E10.10 Crossing the River
Concepts
Relative motion
Overview
A toy tractor moves across a piece of paper being pulled along the floor.
Details
Equipment
- [1] Tractor toy
- [1] Large piece of paper
- [2] Metre stick
- [2] Lab stand
- [2] 90-degree clamp
- [1] Aluminum rod
- [1] Video camera
- [1] Tripod
Classroom Assembly
- Place the paper flat on the floor.
- Slip metre sticks into pockets on the sides of the paper.
- Clamp the rod to the lab stands to make a diagonal over the paper.
- Mount the camera on the tripod to have an overhead view of the demo.
- Plug the camera into power and the video input for the projector.
- Check that the camera works.
Important Notes
- The tractor's battery compartment needs to be securely taped shut for it to work.
Script
- Turn on the tractor.
- Using the metre sticks as handles, move the paper so that the tractor travels along the rod.
- Turn off the tractor.
Additional Resources
References
- PIRA 1E10.10
Disclaimer
- Don't attempt this at home!
Last revised
- 2023
Technicals
- The tractors' batteries can disconnect from light jostling. There are shims in the battery compartment to prevent this.
- The handicam that's often used with this demonstration has a demo mode that could disrupt use. Disable it by pressing "MENU" and selecting the appropriate setting using the scroll/click wheel.
Related AV
Related demos
If you have any questions about the demos or notes you would like to add to this page, contact Ricky Chu at ricky_chu AT sfu DOT ca.