Hover Gliders

Name: Hao Nguyen                Class: Physics                         Period: 2                         Date: 9/23/2016

Cart on a Ramp

Abstract:

Purpose:

• Collect the distance, velocity and acceleration data for a cart rolling up and down an incline.
• Analyze position vs. time graph, velocity vs. time graph, and acceleration vs. time graph.
• Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time graph and  velocity vs. time graph
• Determine the mean acceleration from the acceleration vs. time graph.

Introduction:

        Constant acceleration refers to a situation where velocity changes by equal increments in equal time intervals. The independent variable is time and the dependent variable are position, velocity and acceleration.

Materials and Methods:

         The materials for this lab are Lab Quest, Lab Quest App, Vernier Motion Detector, Vernier Dynamics Track, Adjustable End Stope, Motion Detector Bracket, and Vernier Dynamics Cart with plunger. The first step is prepare the track and Motion Detector for data collection: attach the Motion Detector Bracket to the track, attach the Motion Detector to the Motion Detector bracket, adjust the position of the Motion Detector Bracket so the Motion Detector is 0.15m from the end of the track, and set the switch on the Motion Detector to the track position. The second step is connect the Motion Detector to DIG 1 of the Lab Quest and choose the New from the Files menu. Then place the cart on the track near the bottom. Then push the cart up the ramp, letting it roll freely up the ramp and back down. Finally examine the position vs. time graph. Repeat Step 3. If your position vs. time graph does not show an area of smoothly changing distance. Check with your instructor if you are not sure whether you need to repeat data collection.