Motion on an Incline
Recommended for grades 11–14.
Introduction
When you examined an object moving with constant velocity in introductory Activity 2, you learned two important points about the line of best fit to the graph of position vs. time:
- The slope (rate of change) of the graph was constant, and gave the velocity of the object.
- The intercept gave the initial position of the object.
In this experiment, you will examine a different kind of motion and contrast features of the position-time and velocity-time graphs with those you have studied earlier.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Collect position, velocity, and time data as a cart rolls up and down an inclined track.
- Analyze the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Distinguish between average and instantaneous velocity.
- Use analysis of motion data to define instantaneous velocity and acceleration.
- Relate the parameters in the best-fit equations for position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs to their physical counterparts in the system.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Download Complete Experiment
The downloadable file contains information that supplements and/or replaces versions of the experiment currently found in Vernier lab books. It contains
- Microsoft Word files of the student pages for platforms supported in that book, i.e., LabQuest App, Logger Pro, EasyData
- Teacher information pages
Standards Correlations
No standards correlations for this experiment.
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.