Constant Acceleration Car, 1G10.10

Topic and Concept:

• Newton's Second Law, [:Newtons2NDLaw#ForceMassAndAcceleration: 1G10. Force, Mass, and Acceleration]

Location:

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

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayA1:(A1)]

• Shelf: #1,2,3.. attachment: mainPhoto

Abstract:

A PASCO cart attached to a mass with a string running over a smart pulley is accelerated at a constant rate. A computer together with the PASCO interface can be used to measure the position, speed, and acceleration as a function of time.(Similar to 1G10.25)

Important Setup Notes:

• If using the PASCO interface is desired for the graphical output, a 24-hour notice is required.

Setup and Procedure:

1. Place the PASCO track on the lecture bench.
2. Level the track by using the height adjustment screws on the track.
3. Place a small lead brick under the track by the one set of legs to keep the track from moving on the table when the cart accelerates.
4. Place the PASCO cart on the track, and add weight to it if desired. (The more weight, the more fiction between the cart and track)
5. Attach the PASCO smart pulley and photo-gate to the track.
6. Please refer to the [PASCO Interface Computer, A#.EQ.###] page for general operations of the computer.
7. Use the Velcro to keep the cart in place while the weight is attached and the string run over the pulley.
8. When ready, release the cart from the Velcro and observe it accelerating at a uniform rate. (Don't push the cart, this well give you the wrong data) Optional Addition of the PASCO Interface with Computer:

9. Boot the computer, and attach then power on the PASCO interface.

10. Open Data Studio which is accessible from the desktop.

11. Before booting up the computer, make sure that the Photo-gate 1/4" plug is in Slot "A" of the PASCO Interface box.

12. Open the experimental setup file which is located on the desk top

13. Follow the above steps omitting the final step where the cart is released.
14. When ready record the data, click on "Start Run" at about the same time as when you release the cart.
15. If the auto stop feature is setup within Data Studio, the program will automatically stop recoding after the set time interval that was setup. If not, then just before the cart collides with the bumper, then click "end run" in Data Studio (see plot below for an example or [PASCO Interface Computer, A#.EQ.###] page).

attachment:TestRun2-800.jpg

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion:

The net force acting on the cart is a little less than the weight pulling it down the track. There is also some friction in the axles of the car and in the pulley which acts to oppose the motion of the cart. The magnitude and direction of these forces remains constant throughout the demonstration. Therefore, by Newton's second law, since F = m*a = constant and since m is constant so must the acceleration remain constant. Because of this constant acceleration, we expect the position vs. time curve to be quadratic in time, and we also expect the velocity vs. time curve to be linear in time.

Videos:

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

References:

• List any references

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