Direct Measurement Video Library for Rotation

Videos shown here contain grids, rulers, frame counters and other overlays that allow students to make measurements directly from the videos. Students can use this data to answer questions and solve problems. For each video, sample questions are shown, and in some cases, sample lesson plan ideas.

To analyze a video frame-by-frame, you will want to download the video file to your computer and open it using QuickTime. Clicking on the links shown here will allow you to view the video in your browser, but you may not be able to view the video frame-by-frame.

To download the video, alt-click on the link and select:

"save linked file as..." (Firefox)

"download liked file as..." (Safari)

"save link as..." (Chrome)

Sliding and Rolling Ball

This clip shows a pendulum colliding with a billiard ball. The billiard ball slides and rolls along a horizontal track.

Download the QuickTime file: Video of a sliding and rolling ball (Quicktime Video 5.1MB Apr29 13) here.

Sample question: What is the coefficient of friction between the ball and the track surface?

Sample activity: Rolling and Sliding Ball

Marble Collides with Block

This clip shows a marble fired from a pneumatic cannon colliding with a wood block. The block moves horizontally and rotates.

Download the QuickTime file: Marble collides with wood block (Quicktime Video 7.8MB Feb8 13) here.

Sample question: Is linear momentum conserved?

Sample question: Is angular momentum conserved?

Sample activity: Conservation of Linear and Angular Momentum During a Collision

Disk accelerated by rocket motor

screen shot of disk accelerated by rocket

Screen shot from a video of disk accelerated by rocket motor (Quicktime Video 733kB Jul9 12)

This clip shows a plywood disk being accelerated by a small model rocket motor mounted at the rim.

Download the QuickTime file: video of disk accelerated by rocket motor (Quicktime Video 733kB Jul9 12) here.

Sample question: Determine the average force provided by the rocket motor during the first two revolutions.

Bicycle wheel accelerated by weight

Screen shot from a video clip of wheel accelerated by falling weight (Quicktime Video 1.4MB Jun4 12)

This clip shows a bicycle wheel being accelerated by a small metal cylinder suspended by a string wrapped around the rim.

Download the QuickTime file: video clip of wheel accelerated by falling weight (Quicktime Video 1.4MB Jun4 12) here.

Sample question: Determine the rotational inertia of the bike wheel.

Sample activity: Using a Direct Measurement Video to Find the Rotational of Inertia of a Bicycle Wheel