Computer Program Detail Page
Ceiling Bounce Model
written by Wolfgang Christian
supported by the National Science Foundation
This simulation shows a ball launched by a spring-gun in a building with a very high ceiling. The student's task is to calculate an initial velocity so that the ball barely touches the 80-foot ceiling. Students can test their answers by setting the initial velocity on the simulation, then watch the ball's path. Graphs of position vs. time or velocity vs. time may be turned on to view the ball's motion as a function of time.
This item was created with Easy Java Simulations (EJS), a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. To run the simulation, simply click the Java Archive file below. To modify or customize the model, See Related Materialsfor detailed instructions on installing and running the EJS Modeling and Authoring Tool.
Please note that this resource requires at least version 1.5 of Java.
Editor's Note: This model is especially helpful for visualizing the relationship between the one-dimensional motion of this example and its graph, as it displays the ball continuously bouncing at constant velocity in a straight line from floor to ceiling. There is no horizontal displacement. For students who need help determining time of flight and peak height, SEE ANNOTATIONS for an editor-recommended tutorial.
1 source code document is available
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)
4. The Physical Setting
9. The Mathematical World
9B. Symbolic Relationships
11. Common Themes
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics Alignments
Standards for Mathematical Practice (K-12)
MP.4 Model with mathematics.
High School — Algebra (9-12)
Creating Equations? (9-12)
High School — Functions (9-12)
Interpreting Functions (9-12)
Building Functions (9-12)
Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models? (9-12)
The Physics Classroom: Initial Velocity Components for Projectile Motion (Editor: Caroline Hall)
This editor-recommended resource provides a step-by-step tutorial in determining time of flight and peak height of a projectile, which will be needed to perform the calculations required in the Ceiling Bounce simulation.
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Kinematics: The Physics of Motion
Unit Title: Modeling Motion
In this model, a ball is launched by a spring-gun in a building with a very high ceiling. The task: calculate an initial velocity so that the ball barely touches the 80-foot ceiling. Students can test their answers by setting the initial velocity on the simulation, then watch the ball's path. Graphs of position vs. time or velocity vs. time can be turned on to view the ball's motion as a function of time.Link to Unit:
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Ceiling Bounce Model:
Is Based On Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool
The Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool is needed to explore the computational model used in the Ceiling Bounce Model.relation by Caroline Hall
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