Point Mechanics by Experiments — Direct Access to Motion Data

With all quantitative experiments on point mechanics, there are usually special gadgets necessary for data acquisition. Here we describe a method which enables the recording and evaluation of single-point motion data simply by using a video camera and a computer (online, or from stored information); with more sophisticated equipment it is possible to record the motion of up to three different points simultaneously. Typical examples are: linear accelerated motion, ballistic curve, accelerated frame of reference, statistical motion on air table, chaotic motion, collision of two bodies, coupled oscillations, rotation in addition to translation.