Enb130 Practical: One Dimensional Motion

Queensland University of Technology |

Practical M6

|

One Dimensional Motion |

Contents

Aim 2

Introduction 2

Experimental Method 3

Results 5

Data Analysis 6

Experimental Discussion 7

Conclusion 8

Appendices 8

References 9

Aim

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the relationship between acceleration and motion, and determine how this is affected when moving towards and away from a motion sensor.

Introduction

Newton’s second law of motion states that “The rate at which a body’s momentum changes is equal to the net force acting on the body” (Wolfson, p 50, 2007) and can be described by the formula:

F=ma

This practical models Newtons second law of motion in a simple one dimensional context, whereby using a fan to supply force, a cart is propelled down a ramp, thus changing its momentum

In the case of the fan, newtons third law of motion applies, If object A exerts a force on object B, then object B exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on A” (Wolfson, p58, 2007). This is demonstrated whereby the fan exerts a force on the air, and the air exerts an opposite force on the fan, providing acceleration of the cart.

This experiment uses a motion sensor and graphing software to produce position, velocity and acceleration graphs over time, providing quantitative numerical results for analysis.

This investigation covered three main subsections;

- Speeding Up and Speeding Up More

- Measuring Acceleration

- Slowing Down and Reversing Direction

Each section investigates differing relationships and aspects of velocity and acceleration relative to time.

Experimental Method

Speeding Up and Speeding Up More

1. The cart was orientated with fan pushing towards the motion detector, so as to move away from it (Refer to Figure 1)

Figure 1: Apparatus setup of Cart on Ramp – Positioned for Positive...