Aluminum Inclined Plane, Constant Velocity, 1C10.40

Topic and Concept:

• Motion in One Dimension, 1C10. Velocity

Location:

• Cabinet: Mechanic (ME)

• South Wall

• Shelf: #1

Abstract:

A large steel ball accelerates down the inclined track and onto a flat track as a metronome ticks at constant time intervals.

Important Setup Notes:

• Practice releasing the ball in sync with the beats of the metronome. The metronome time may need adjusting so that the ball hits those marks.

• For fine adjustment, move the horizontal tack up or down the incline track. When the horizontal track starts at #1, there is a fair amount of energy lost due to friction, and the ball bearing slows down by the end of the track. If the horizontal take-off starts at the #4 instead of #1, the metronome time needs to be doubled, and the demonstration is much better.
• About 5 minutes of setup time is needed.

Setup and Procedure:

1. Start by setting the metronome at 56 beats per minute.
2. Place the ball bearing at the top of the inclined plane(main track).
3. Release. When released, the ball should pass each mark on the track with the beats of the metronome. The ball should pass through #1 on the main track, then hits marks 2, 3, 4 and 5 (i.e. the basket) that are on the side of the horizontal track.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• Please do not drop the steel ball bearings

Discussion:

N/A

Videos:

• ALPlane-CV-1.webm

• ALPlane-CV-2.webm

• Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel

References:

• N/A

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