Bounce Ball: Enhancing Air Pressure Understanding through Interactive Exhibit
I. Purpose of the Exhibit The purpose of the exhibit is to provide participants with an interactive experience that enhances their understanding of the principle and application of air pressure generation. By using a U-shaped pipe device, participants can observe the effect of air pressure on launching a tennis ball. The exhibit aims to make the concept of air pressure tangible and promote a better understanding of its principles.
II. Display Content, Mode, and Performance Form The exhibition item comprises a U-shaped pipe device, a bowling ball, a tennis ball, a pulling rope, a ball net, and a tablet computer. The U-shaped pipe device has different diameters at each end. The larger diameter end holds the bowling ball connected to a rope, which can be pulled upward. The smaller diameter end contains the tennis ball, positioned under a funnel-shaped ball net.
During the interaction, participants pull the rope, raising the bowling ball. Upon releasing the rope, the bowling ball falls, compressing the air inside the U-shaped pipe. This compressed air flows from the larger diameter end to the smaller diameter end, increasing the air pressure. When the air pressure becomes sufficient, it propels the tennis ball upward against its own weight. A conical ball net catches the tennis ball, resetting it for the next shot.
The exhibit also includes a tablet computer with an electronic instruction board and graphic panels. Participants can operate the tablet to access information about the exhibit's operation, experience methods, scientific principles, and additional knowledge, allowing them to prepare for their participation and enhance their overall experience.
III. Operation Instructions and Experience Mode
- Participants pull the rope to raise the bowling ball to different heights and observe the process of air pressure launching the tennis ball when the bowling ball falls.
- Using the tablet computer, participants can access information about the causes of air pressure and expand their knowledge on the subject.
IV. Scientific Principles The exhibit is based on the scientific principle that the flow of air generates pressure, and wind is caused by the movement of air. When the bowling ball is pulled up using the rope and then released, it falls, compressing the air inside the U-shaped pipe. As the air volume decreases and the space becomes smaller, the air pressure increases. This increased air pressure exerts an upward force on the tennis ball, enabling it to move upward against its weight. The higher the bowling ball is pulled, the greater the air flow and pressure generated, resulting in a higher flight of the tennis ball.
V. Explanation and Illustration Boards Instruction Board:
- Pull the rope to raise the bowling ball to different heights.
- Release the rope and observe the resulting phenomenon.
Graphic Board: The graphic board illustrates the scientific principle behind the exhibit. It explains that the flow of air creates pressure, and wind occurs due to the movement of air. When the bowling ball is pulled up with the rope and then released, the air inside the U-shaped pipe is compressed. This compressed air flows from the larger diameter end to the smaller diameter end. As the volume decreases and the air pressure increases, the air exerts an upward force on the tennis ball, causing it to move upward. The height of the tennis ball's flight is determined by the amount of air flow and pressure generated, which increases with a higher pull of the bowling ball.
Title: Bounce Ball - Exploring Air Pressure with an Interactive Exhibit