photo credit: Des Burke-Kennedy

Circular Motion

The wake in this image shows that the water-skier, Irish champion Rodney Watson, is moving in a curved path (high-res version). The tension in the tow line and the force of the water on his skis provide the centripetal (inward) acceleration to produce this curve. To find out how the centripetal acceleration depends on the radius and the period for circular motion, visit this Circular Motion Simulation.

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HyperPhysics: Color Force

For a broad look at the world of elementary particles, try the activities in The Particle Adventure. To learn more, visit HyperPhysics: Color Force.

If you liked this activity, you may also be interested in Wave on a String.

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image © CERN; image source

Tracks in a hydrogen bubble chamber

These tracks (high-res version) were made by charged particles in a bubble chamber (a technology used in the 1970s).  A magnetic field perpendicular to the image produces a force that curves the orbits of charged particles. See Tracks in a hydrogen bubble chamber for information about this image, and to find out more, visit CERN's Introduction to the BC Site.

The Standard Model

Check out these sites on the standard model of elementary particles:

• Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP)
• BBC