Princípio da equivalência e referenciais não inerciais: uma abordagem através do ensino por investigação utilizando a metodologia POE

Abstract

The Principle of Equivalence tells us that it is impossible to differentiate between phenomenaoccurring in a reference frame with constant acceleration and the same phenomenainareference frame with a constant gravitational field of the same intensity as the accelerationofthe first reference frame. By assuming this, Einstein was able to formulate the generalizationof relativistic concepts and non-inertial reference frames, culminating in the TheoryofGeneral Relativity. The aim of this work, produced within the scope of the MNPEFat Polo24UFJF/IFSUDESTEMG, is to allow students to understand it and relate it tothetheoryproposed by Einstein. The presented product is a Teaching Sequence by Inquirybasedonsimple and low-cost experiments and was applied to a third-year high school class usingthePOE (Prediction-Observation-Explanation) methodology. Our work suggests that it ispossible to build, through the proposed investigative activity, the connection betweenthegravitational field and accelerated reference frames. Among the results obtained, it isnoteworthy that it was controversial for students to point out the connotation of gravityasaresult of spacetime distortion rather than as a force. Regarding the experimentaldemonstration developed in the classroom, it was a very positive aspect andinvolvedsignificant interaction from the students. In conclusion, it was found that theappliedinvestigative sequence, despite the restrictions imposed by the adopted format, hadapositiveimpact on the presentation of what the Principle of Equivalence is within the scopeoftheTheory of General Relativity, as several related episodes emerged fromthe reports of somestudents and were discussed in the classroom.