Objective
- Investigate the motion of a cart undergoing approximately constant acceleration.
- Determine acceleration from motion data and compare it with theory.
- Use kinematic relationships to interpret displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Introduction
Constant acceleration means velocity changes at a steady rate over time. In this experiment you will collect motion data for a cart on an incline, interpret graphs, and compare experimental acceleration with a theoretical prediction.
Helpful equations include v = v₀ + at, Δx = v₀t + 0.5at², and v² = v₀² + 2aΔx.
Materials
- Dynamics cart
- Inclined plane
- Motion sensor
- Computer with acquisition software
- Meter stick
- Stopwatch
Procedure
Setup
- Set the incline at a small angle and place the motion sensor correctly.
- Connect the sensor to the computer and confirm the software is ready.
- Place the cart at the starting position.
Data collection
- Start recording and release the cart.
- Allow the cart to move along the incline while position and velocity data are captured.
- Stop recording before the cart returns to the sensor.
- Repeat several trials, adjusting initial conditions as directed.
Analysis
- Inspect position-versus-time and velocity-versus-time graphs.
- Estimate acceleration from the slope of the velocity graph.
- Compare the measured value with the theoretical model
a = g sin(θ).
Discussion and conclusion
- How does changing the incline angle affect acceleration?
- How do graph features support the claim of nearly constant acceleration?
- What experimental limitations or setup choices could affect your result?
Conclude by comparing your measured acceleration with the theoretical prediction and commenting on agreement.