1. Obtain 5 equal-sized coins and that table with the smooth top.

Question

1. Obtain 5 equal-sized coins and that table with the smooth top.

2. Line up 3 coins touching each other in a perfect line.
3. Line up 2 more coins touching each other in perfect line with the other 3. There
should be a 5-cm gap between the groups of marbles.
4. Place your fingers onto the two slider coins. Slide the two coins into the group
of 3. Be sure that the two slider coins stay in contact with each other when
they collide with the group of 3. This may take practice to slide them correctly. 5. Record what happens to the groups of coins after collision. (repeat several
times for best results.)
6. Repeat the collision several more times with different combinations of sliders. 7. Record your observations.
8. Explain which of Newton's Laws this activity demonstrates.

Answer 1

This activity demonstrates Newton's First Law of Motion, also known as the Law of Inertia. The coins at rest tend to stay at rest, and the coins in motion tend to stay in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. When the two slider coins collide with the group of three, they transfer their energy and momentum, causing the group of three coins to move. The group of three coins then follows this new path of motion unless acted upon by an external force, such as friction.