PROCEDURE:
1) Lay a small clear transparency sheet over the animation. Use two small
pieces of paper tape to secure corners of the transparency sheet to the monitor
screen. Use a marking pen to make a series of dots on the sheet that track the
frame-by-frame position (starting at frame 0) of springtail's jump. [NOTE:
Each frame of motion represents 1/30th second of elapsed time (0/30, 1/30, 2/30
etc)]. Make sure the correct elapsed time is recorded for each dot and make sure
the distance scale is carefully recorded on the transparency sheet.
2) Remove the transparency sheet and lay it on a piece of white paper.
Then, estimate the initial velocity at the beginning of the jump, as
determined by computing the distance traveled during the first 1/30 sec
(distance traveled between frame labeled 0/30 and frame labeled 1/30). Express
velocity in units of mm/sec. Covert this velocity into units of body
lengths/sec.
3) How much additional height does the springtail gain with each
successive frame as the peak of the jump is approached? Explain why velocity
changes.
4) How much time elapses between the beginning and the peak of the
springtail's jump?
5) What is the is the full height of the springtail jump in
cm? In body lengths? By comparison, how many body lengths can a human high-jumper jump?
What about a pole vaulter?
6) Compare the frame-by-frame pattern of distance traveled during the ascent
of the jump to the distance traveled during the descent of the jump.
Discuss and explain similarities.
7) Consult references to determine the mechanism by which a springtail
jumps.
Click here to see non-interactive GIF animation
Software for controlling interactive animations was developed by TOM DREWES
