Introduction
Everyone knows that force and motion are related. A stationary object will not begin to move unless some agent applies a force to it. But just how does the motion of an object depend on the forces acting on it? In this experiment you will begin to examine the role that forces play in the motion of an object.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Collect position, velocity, and time data as a cart is launched by a spring and slowed by friction.
- Analyze the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Investigate the effect of varying the friction on the velocity of the cart.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Correlations
Teaching to an educational standard? This experiment supports the standards below.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025/Physics
- The students should understand Newton’s three laws of motion
Ready to Experiment?
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Purchase the Lab Book
This experiment is #3 of Advanced Physics with Vernier — Mechanics. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
