How Does Our Solar System Work? Tracking Planetary Motion in the Classroom by Using Video Analysis in Astronomical Model Experiments.

Arshewizkij, Alexander ; Schöneberg, Dennis; Schlummer, Paul; Ubben, Malte; Pusch, Alexander

Forschungsartikel (Zeitschrift) | Peer reviewed

Zusammenfassung

The effect of gravity on time and space is an advanced physics topic and cannot be explained in its entirety in a school setting. Often, only the trajectories of planets are shown to students, and at best, they are just accepted. It is possible to simulate gravitational effects with a rather inex- pensive model experiment consisting of a cloth and spheres. The physical concepts needed for understanding are based on simple intuitions concerning movement on an inclined sur- face and impact effects, known, for example, from billiards. In this article, we show that with the use of video analysis software, in our case Tracker, the trajectories can be highlight- ed, and complex phenomena such as formation of planetary orbits or gravity-assisted maneuvers of spacecraft can be illustrated. Advanced students can even take on the analysis process themselves. Through video analyses of this model experiment, it is possible to bring movements from the more abstract macroscopic level into a tangible setting.

Details zur Publikation

FachzeitschriftPhysics Teacher
Jahrgang / Bandnr. / Volume61
Seitenbereich492-495
StatusVeröffentlicht
Veröffentlichungsjahr2023 (06.09.2023)
Sprache, in der die Publikation verfasst istEnglisch
DOI10.1119/5.0072740
Link zum Volltexthttps://pubs.aip.org/aapt/pte/article/61/6/492/2908223/How-Does-Our-Solar-System-Work-Tracking-Planetary
StichwörterGravitation; Astrophysik; Videoanalyse; Experiment

Autor*innen der Universität Münster

Pusch, Alexander
Institut für Didaktik der Physik
Schlummer, Paul
Institut für Didaktik der Physik
Ubben, Malte
Institut für Didaktik der Physik