Block of Wood on a String, 1C10.21

Topic and Concept:

• Motion in One Dimension, [:MotionIn1D#Velocity: 1C10. Velocity]

Location:

• Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayB5:(B5)]

• Shelf: #2

  attachment:BlockonStringMain-400.jpg

Abstract:

A glider on a level air track is pushed giving it a velocity which remains roughly constant on the low-friction surface. A timer together with a known displacement can be used to measure the velocity.

Important Setup Notes:

• N/A

Setup and Procedure:

1. Place a meter stick on the lecture bench.
2. Place the edge of front of the block at the beginning of the meter stick.
3. Hook up the DMM or multipurpose meter in stopwatch mode. Click the respective link for setup/operation information.
4. Begin to pull the block with constant force and maintain that force until the leading edge of the block makes it to the end of the meter stick.
5. Have someone run the stopwatch beginning timing at the start of motion and ending when the block travels 1 m.

6. The velocity can be calculated using the equation for velocity: v = (x_f-x_i)/(t_f-t_i).

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion:

Discuss the physics behind the demonstration, explaining some of the various steps of the demonstration when appropriate.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• List any references

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