r/ibPhysics • u/DryFaithlessness1112 • 3d ago

IA experiment issue, need help

So my IA experiment requires a 50g steel ball to drop at a fixed height (1m) with no initial velocity, spin, or direction. How can I make the ball drop? I don’t have access to fancy trapdoor equipment

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u/SpectralLemon 3d ago

Maybe you can use a magnet with a piece of paper in the middle of the magnet and the ball so when you pull the magnet upwards the paper will not let the ball stick to the magnet and fall

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u/DryFaithlessness1112 3d ago

Thats good, I think I’ll do that thank you🙌

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u/mikk0384 2d ago

I wouldn't do that. The magnet will slow the fall at the start.

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u/dannydoucette 2d ago

Back in the day, they would suspend it with thin string, and then set the string on fire. Holding it between thumb and index finger is usually good enough. Maybe you can think about the benefits and drawbacks for your evaluation.

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u/JazzlikeDragonfly648 1d ago

use your hand