Pedagogy in Action > Library > Using Direct Measurement Videos to Teach Physics > Direct Measurment Library Index

Direct Measurment Library Index

Direct Measurement Videos are categorized by the physics concept.

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)

New Videos

Dry Ice Puck Slides on a Circular Hoop

This clip shows a small puck made of dry ice sliding along a circular hoop. The disk slides along the surface of the hoop, but loses contact with the surface as it speeds up.

Download the QuickTime file: Direct Measurement Video of a dry ice puck sliding on a circular hoop (Quicktime Video 9.6MB Mar26 13) here.


Sample question: At what angle should the puck leave the surface if it is frictionless? At what horizontal location would a frictionless puck cross the ruler at the bottom of the screen?


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

Collision Cart Push-off

This clip shows two people on low-friction carts. They begin at rest, push off, and move in opposite directions.

Download the Quicktime file: Direct Measurement Video of People on Collision Carts (Quicktime Video 2.8MB Feb20 13) here.

Sample question: Use conservation of momentum to determine Christine's mass.


Direct Measurement Videos for 1-Dimensional Motion

This is a collection of videos that students can use to analyze motion in one dimension. Topics include velocity, speed, average velocity, and acceleration.

More videos for 1-dimensional motion


Direct Measurement Videos for 2-Dimensional Motion

screen shot of hover puck on lab floor
Screen shot from a video of hover puck on lab floor (Quicktime Video 2MB Jul7 12)
This is a collection of videos that students can use to explore two-dimensional motion, including projectile motion.

More videos for 2-dimensional motion



Direct Measurement Videos for Forces and Motion

This is a collection of videos that students can use to analyze motion and forces using Newton's Laws. Topics include force, acceleration, circular motion, forces on objects on ramps.

More videos for forces and motion


Direct Measurement Videos for Energy

Students can use these videos to explore mechanical energy and energy conservation.

More videos for energy and energy conservation



Direct Measurement Videos for Impulse and Momentum

These videos allow students to explore the concepts of impulse, momentum, and the conservation of momentum.

More videos for impulse and momentum



Direct Measurement Videos for Rotation

Students can use these video to explore rotational motion and angular momentum.

More videos for rotation and angular momentum









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