The Brachistochrone: An Excellent Problem for All Levels of Physics Students

• John A. Milsom ^[1]
  1. [1] The University of Arizona College of Science
• Localización: The Physics Teacher, ISSN 0031-921X, Vol. 59, Nº. 8, 2021, págs. 606-609
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The classic brachistrochrone problem is standard material in intermediate mechanics. Many variations exist including some accessible to introductory students. While a quantitative solution isn’t feasible in introductory classes, qualitative discussions can be very beneficial since kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy conservation, and motion along curved trajectories all play a role. In this work, we describe an activity focusing on a qualitative understanding of the brachistochrone and examine the performance of freshmen, juniors, and graduate students.