We were asked how the position of a cart changes with different times on an angled ramp.
In this lab we observed a cart move down a ramp with no instantaneous velocity and measured its acceleration. For the lab the materials consisted of; 220 cm ramp, cart provided by Mr. Frost, and adjustable lab press on the lowest setting. We propped the ramp on the press so that one end laid on the press and the other laid on the table. We then set up the motion sensor on the high end of the ramp, and released the cart from the higher end of the ramp. The sensor then measured the distance the cart traveled over time. We limited the length of the track to 200 cm, so that the total distance traveled would be exactly 200 cm.
Independent Variable: Time (seconds)
Dependent Variable: Position (centimeters)
Constants: Gravity, ramp surface, angle of ramp, cart
Visually, this graph represents the acceleration of the cart as it moves down the ramp away from the sensor. This graph is a position / time graph, where the position of the cart starts at a set distance (appx. 20 cm) from the sensor. The acceleration of the cart is positive, in a positive direction.
Conclusion
In respect to the problem asked upon us for this lab, the changes in position of the cart over time accelerate. This causes the cart to constantly gain velocity until it hit the end of the track. This is because the cart had almost zero resistance in its movement, aside from air resistance and surface resistance. The results of this lab can be used to determine the effectiveness of changes in the cart in relation to their acceleration. This process can also be used to analyze anything with a straight movement to see if the objects movement speeds up, speeds down, or remains constant.
Uncertainty
(0.2711 +/- 0.006689) + (0.03201 +/- 0.01760) + (0.1440 +/- 0.009726) Calculated Distance: 1 second-0.44711 m = 44.711 cm 2 seconds-1.29242 m = 129.242 cm 2.6 seconds- 2.059862 m = 205.9862 cm
Measured Distance: 1 second- 0.440 m = 44.0 cm 2 seconds- 1.304 m = 130.4 cm 2.6 seconds- 1.380 m = 138.0 cm Percent Yield: --> (44 - 44.711) / 44.711 = -0.0159 x 100 = 1.59% --> (130.4 - 129.242) / 129.242 = 0.00895 x 100 = 0.895 % --> (138 - 205.9862) / 205. 9862 = −0.330052 x 100 = 33.0052 %
(1.59 + 0.895 + 33.0052) / 3 = 11.830067% yield
Uncertainties Include; cart release (Initial velocity), condition/wear of cart.