Introduction
Have you ever watched a giant crane swing a huge metal ball and tear down a building? Or hammered a nail into a piece of wood? What is it that allows you to do that? What is that “thing” that allows you to get things done?
In this experiment you will investigate how the speed of an object affects its ability to “get things done.” In particular you will study how speed affects the distance a cart can push a 3-ring notebook across a surface.
In order to change the speed you will need to vary the height that you release the cart up a track, similar to what you explored in Experiment 36, “Speeding Up.”
Objectives
- Use a Motion Detector to measure speed.
- Graph data.
- Make conclusions about how speed affects the ability to “do things.”
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Option 1
Ready to Experiment?
Ask an Expert
Get answers to your questions about how to teach this experiment with our support team.
- Call toll-free: 888-837-6437
- Chat with Us
- Email support@vernier.com
Purchase the Lab Book
This experiment is #38 of Physical Science with Vernier. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
