Cart on a Ramp
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
This experiment uses a ramp and a low-friction cart. If you give the cart a gentle push up the ramp, the cart will roll upward, slow and stop, and then roll back down, speeding up. A graph of its velocity vs. time would show these changes. Is there a mathematical pattern to the changes in velocity? What is the accompanying pattern to the position vs. time graph? What would the acceleration vs. time graph look like? Is the acceleration constant?
In this experiment, you will use a Motion Detector to collect position, velocity, and acceleration data for a cart rolling up and down a ramp. Analysis of the graphs of this motion will answer these questions.
Objectives
- Collect position, velocity, and acceleration data as a cart rolls up and down a ramp.
- Analyze the position vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time graphs.
- Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Determine the mean acceleration from the acceleration vs. time graph.
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.