The Brachistochrone: An excellent problem for all levels of physics students
arXiv:2106.07726 · doi:10.1119/5.0021274
Abstract
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. The activity can be downloaded at https://w3.physics.arizona.edu/undergrad/teaching-resources .
The following article has been accepted by The Physics Teacher. After it is published, it will be found at https://publishing.aip.org/resources/librarians/products/journals/