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For a non-physics geek, this has still been a really interesting  
discussion.  I think a really cool exhibit would be to create a family  
of curved ramps, side by side (think of cross sectioning a complex 2-D  
surface and setting the sections side by side, and not two tracks -  
you'd generate the shapes mathematically, by playing with the cycloid,  
so the exhibit would make mathematical sense). Visitors would make the  
math/physics connections, just by looking, maybe even get a gut  
understanding of integration.  I'd also have a wheel with a reflective  
dot on the rim that could be run along a track while a cameras traced  
the path of the dot and I'd have something that let them match that  
path to the appropriate curve in the series above.
Carolyn


On Monday, December 5, 2005, at 04:55 PM, jeff courtman wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> *********************************************************************** 
> ******
>
> Jonah - google brachistichrone
>
> Here's a site that tries to work through it more intuitively.....
>
> Then, when you figure it out, let me know :)
>
> http://whistleralley.com/brachistochrone/brachistochrone.htm
>
> Jeff Courtman
> Exhibits & Special Projects Coordinator
> 251.208.6851
> Exploreum Science Center
> www.exploreum.net
>
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