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Experiments​

Motion on an Incline

Experiment #1 from Advanced Physics with Vernier — Mechanics

Education Level
High School
College
Subject
Physics

Introduction

When you examined an object moving with constant velocity in introductory Activity 2, you learned two important points about the line of best fit to the graph of position vs. time:

  1. The slope (rate of change) of the graph was constant and gave the velocity of the object.
  2. The intercept gave the initial position of the object.

In this experiment, you will examine a different kind of motion and contrast features of the position-time and velocity-time graphs with those you have studied earlier.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

  • Collect position, velocity, and time data as a cart rolls up and down an inclined track.
  • Analyze the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
  • Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
  • Distinguish between average and instantaneous velocity.
  • Use analysis of motion data to define instantaneous velocity and acceleration.
  • Relate the parameters in the best-fit equations for position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs to their physical counterparts in the system.

Sensors and Equipment

This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.

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Purchase the Lab Book

This experiment is #1 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.

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