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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Vortex

For Students 9th - 10th
Investigate centripetal force in this activity where you create a mini-tornado in two connected soda bottles.
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Handout
Other

Game Dev: There Is No Such Thing as Centrifugal Force

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides an exceptional explanation of centripetal force. Explains why the common misconception of a centrifugal force is incorrect.
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eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Roller Coaster G Forces

For Students 9th - 10th
Roller coaster rides are notorious for creating accelerations and g-forces. The magnitude and direction of normal force and gravity during the motion through a coaster's loop are depicted this animation.
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Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Circular Motion Principles for Satellites

For Students 9th - 10th
From The Physics Classroom. Uses easy- to-understand language to discuss how circular motion principles apply to the motion of satellites. Describes the tangential velocity and centripetal acceleration of a satellite. Includes many...
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Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Mathematics of Satellite Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
The mathematics associated with the motion of satellites is described. Equations (for period, velocity, acceleration and force) are stated, symbols described, and sample problems solved. Includes five practice problems with solutions and...
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eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Energy Relationships for Satellites

For Students 9th - 10th
The orbits of satellites are described and an energy analysis is performed. Kinetic, potential and total mechanical energy are explained and applied to the motion of satellites.
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eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Three Laws

For Students 9th - 10th
The three laws of planetary motion as described by Kepler are stated and elaborated upon. Useful graphics and an easy-to-understand language are used to explain the nature of planetary motion. Both conceptual and mathematical. Includes a...
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Interactive
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Earth Orbit Velocity

For Students 9th - 10th
A discussion and statement of an equation for orbital speed. An interactive JavaScript form allows the user to investigate the relationship between orbital height and orbital speed. A very good opportunity to practice and receive...
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Handout
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Satellite Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
An animation depicting the path of projectiles launched at various launch speeds from the fictional Newton's Mountain. Accompanying text discusses satellite motion and the requirements of orbital motion. Links to further information is...
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eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Uniform Circular Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
Uniform circular motion can be described as the motion of an object in a circle at a constant speed. This animation depicts this by means of a vector arrow.
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eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Inertia Right Hand Turn

For Students 9th - 10th
Many students of physics do not believe in centripetal/inward forces. Even after completion of a thorough physics course, such students will still incorrectly believe that an object moving in a circle experiences an outward force. Use...
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Unit Plan
Texas Education Agency

Texas Gateway: Ap Physics: Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation: Summary

For Students 11th - 12th
This page features a summary of each section of Chapter 6: Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation from the AP Physics online text.
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Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Goalie

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This hockey simulation addresses the question of how to force an object to move in a circle.
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Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Build a Bottle Centrifuge

For Students 6th - 8th
In this fun activity, you will build your own simple bottle centrifuge and test how it works.
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eBook
NASA

Nasa: Kepler's Third Law

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA states Kepler's third law of motion and extends it to develop an equation for the velocity of an orbiting planet.
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eBook
NASA

Nasa: Kepler's Second Law

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA states Kepler's second law of planetary motion and depicts its meaning with an informative diagram. Relates the law to conservation of energy principles and discusses the eccentricity of a satellite's (or a planet's)...
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Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Paper Mache Solar System

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
This site from the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a set of directions for the creation of a solar system model out of paper mache. Includes orbital distances and planet diameters for the nine planets. Great idea for a student...
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Website
PBS

Pbs: Nova: Top Gun Over Moscow

For Students 9th - 10th
An online exhibit investigating the sensations experienced by a cockpit pilot in a Russian aircraft. Focuses on G-forces and apparent weightlessness.
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Website
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Centripetal Force Requirement

For Students 9th - 10th
Animation depicting the effect of a centripetal force on the motion of an object. Newton's laws are used to explain why circular motion requires an inward-directed force.
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Interactive
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Second Law

For Students 9th - 10th
Kepler's second law of planetary motion is stated and explained. An animation of the orbit of a planet and an accompanying graphic assists in explaining the meaning of the law of equal areas.
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Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Circular Orbit

For Students 9th - 10th
The necessity of gravitation to a circular orbit is discussed and equations for the orbital speed are derived from the law of universal gravitation. Binary systems in which two objects orbit about a center of mass are explained and...
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Handout
Walter Fendt

Walter Fendt: Model of a Carousel: Centripetal Force

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource features an applet that models the motion of a carousel ride at an amusement park to demonstrate centripetal force. The motion parameters can be modified and seen in the animation.