downfall gravity lab machine with paper tape

In fact, at each time interval the average speed increased thus supporting the hypothesis that the trolley would accelerate throughout its course down the ramp. This is seen in table 1 when comparing the average speed per interval, for example, at 0.1 seconds the trolleys average speed is 0.20 m/s whereas at 0.9 seconds the average speed was 1.96 m/s, this is an increase between 0.8 seconds. The trolley gains speed, thus accelerating down the ramp, and this is supported by the ticker tape graph, as it is clear that over the same time intervals, the distance travelled by the trolley increases. The hypothesis was supported by the results, as the speed of the trolley increases, as the distance travelled by the trolley increases. The hypothesis of this practical was that as the trolley travels down the ramp, it will begin to accelerate, and then the pattern created with the dotting of the ticker timer will gradually provide dots with an increased distance between them, because of this acceleration and increased speed. The aim of this practical was to calculate the average speed and acceleration of the trolley as it travelled down the ramp and thus determining the force that the trolley experienced. This practical was performed with electricity and precautions must take place to make sure this equipment remains out of any contact with water.Īcceleration of trolley travelling down the ramp. Ensure trolley is held in position, and practical assistant catching it at end of ramp is notified when trolley is released. Make sure there is enough space when performing practical, so the apparatus are not to fall or get knocked over, thus causing damage to property or persons. Repeat steps 5 to 8 until there are multiple tapes that are recorded successfully and clearly. )Ĭheck the ticker tape and look for clear dots, not “lines” or “double dots”. ( Ensure that there will be someone to catch it making it come to a complete stop. Turn the ticker timer on and release the trolley down the ramp. Thread one end of the ticker tape through the ticker timer and attach this to the end of the trolley with sticky tape.Įnsure that the trolley is at the top of the ramp (not released, stationary) Measure a piece of ticker tape, and ensure it is approximately an arms length. Weigh the trolley car in kilograms, and record. Place a piece of carbon paper in the ticker timer facing downwards. Secure the ticker timer at the top on the ramp and connect to the AC plugs of a power box and set to highest volts (12 volts). Set up apparatus as pictured with ramp measured at height of 30 cm. There were multiple controlled variables during this practical including the trolley with its weight, the length and height of the ramp and the power supply. The independent variable for this practical experiment was time and the dependent variable was average speed in metres per sec (m/s). The aim of this practical is to calculate the average speed and acceleration of the trolley as it travels down the ramp and thus determine the force that the trolley experiences.Īs the trolley travels down the ramp, it will begin to accelerate, and then the pattern created with the dotting of the ticker timer will gradually provide dots with an increased distance between them, because of this acceleration and increased speed. In relation to this practical, the trolleys acceleration will be determined by its mass, and the force that gravity exerts on the trolley.

However, with acceleration as the subject, acceleration equals force divided by mass. In more simplistic terms, force, (F) equals mass, (m), times acceleration, (a), ie F=ma.

Downfall gravity lab machine with paper tape