Accelerations in the Real World
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
The portability of LabQuest and the LabPro interfaces make them ideal tools for studying accelerations that occur outside the physics laboratory. Some interesting situations are the automobile and amusement park rides, as well as high-speed elevators, motorcycles, and go-carts.
This lab highlights several situations where you can collect real-world acceleration data. A general procedure is given which you will modify, depending upon which study is performed. After the general procedure you will find several suggestions for acceleration investigations. You will need to plan an experiment around the motion to be studied, adjusting data collection parameters as needed.
Objectives
- Measure acceleration in a real-world setting.
- Compare the acceleration measured to the value calculated from other data.
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.
Standards Correlations
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.