Ratio Thorem

Sebastian Gonzalez

Reza Prizal (Partner)

02/24/2014

PHYS-100-007

Experiment #6: The Work-Energy Theorem

Abstract:

Purpose:

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate about the Work-Energy Theorem. This theorem basically states two things. First, that work is equal to the distance a force moves times the magnitude of this same force. Secondly, that since energy is always conserved, the energy at all points during the trajectory of the cart we will be using, will always be the same, Ultimately what this means, is that the value of the work done, should theoretically be equal to the value of the objects kinetic energy. This because energy can be created or changed, never lost.

Procedure:

The experiment consisted of measuring the tension caused on a cart when pulled by a falling mass over a distance of 0.80 meters. This tension would then be used to calculate the Work done by the cart, and subsequently, the kinetic energy of the cart while it was moving. The work was easily calculated using the following formula:

Work Done=Force x Distance

The kinetic energy, however is calculated using the formula:

Kinetic Energy=12 x Mass x Velocity2

To use this formula we also needed to calculate the velocity of the cart during its motion, and so the photo-gate with smart pulley attachment was perfect for this. As it gave us the velocity of the cart.

This whole procedure was repeated three times. The variable that was changed in each of the trials was the mass that would pull the cart and make it move. The first mass we used was one of 0.025kg, the next was of 0.045kg and the last one was of 0.095kg.

Sources of Error:

The high percentages of error may be attributed mainly to the reaction time of the human body. My partners and I tried our best to stop the cart on time before it crashed against the end of the rail, but this was almost always impossible. The PASCO system would detect extra movement that jeopardized the accurate...