Experiental resolution and analysis of a dynamic rotational problema: interpretation of results

Abstract

Problem-solving and lab practices are essential parts in the activities Physics students have to do in their first Physics courses. A classroom experience is told in which students were asked to study a reel that rolls but does not slide. This experience was carried out by Physics II students from Profesorado and Licenciatura in Physics. This experience consisted of two main parts: in the first one, students were asked to plan and perform an experience to decide the moment of inertia of the reel; in the second one, students were asked the analytical development to find the acceleration and the friction force when the reel is rolling. The activity was developed in groups and results were presented and argued. This proposal brought about positive results since students could express their ideas and participate in a group discussion. Besides, it promoted students’ autonomy to plan simple experiences and carry them out. The emphasis was on the interpretation of the resulting equations.