Exploration
The moment of inertia (MOI) is the rotational inertia of an object as it rotates about a specific axis. Moment of inertia determines the torque required for a specific angular rotation about an axis. The moment of inertia depends upon the distribution of mass of the rotating object in relation to the axis the object is rotating about.
Objective
In this experiment, students will:
1. Explore how changing the incline angle of a ramp will affect the angular velocity of a can of soup as it rolls down the ramp.
2. Compare the angular velocity to the average speed at which the can rolls down the ramp.
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