Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1153

Question

What can I do to reduce the error in Physics with Computers Experiment 9, Newton‘s 2nd Law?

Answer

1. Make sure you have zeroed the sensors.

2. If the accelerometer data seems especially noisy, make sure that it is securely fastened to the cart. If it isn't screwed down all the way, it could rattle and introduce more noise to the data set.

3. It is critical that the only external horizontal force applied to the cart come through the force sensor. If the cables drag, then there will be other forces not measured by the force sensor. Move the cables with the cart.

4. Explore all magnitudes of force by moving the cart back and forth in a random way. Do NOT just pull the cart at a uniform speed or at uniform acceleration, since you'll concentrate points in a small region of the force vs acceleration plot that way.

Created by: jhopkins on March 11 2003
Last updated by: jgastineau on July 16 2004