Tyler Moore
Daniel Jung, Dil Querido
Physics, Block 2
Mr. Elwer
Background Info:
The constant change of velocity is the same as constant acceleration, which can include the constant change of speed and change of direction. This concept known as "uniform circular motion". Constant velocity is a straightforward graph however, acceleration involves fundamental concepts of kinematics. When knowing the slope of velocity as positive or negative, the direction of the object's acceleration in relation to the sensor can be determined.
Concept Explored:
The concept investigated in this experiment is how to use the GLX.
Purpose:
The purpose for this lab is to explore the relationship between: position, velocity, and acceleration for linear motion.
Hypothesis:
The speed of the car will be the same going up the ramp as it will coming down the ramp.
Materials:
- 1 PASPORT Xplorer GLX
- 1 PASPORT Motion Sensor
- 1 (1.2m) PASCO Track
- 1 GOcar
- 3 Books
Experimental Design:
This experiment was set-up by creating a ramp with the PASCO track and the 3 books, in order to test the car's acceleration and velocity in relation to its position. The independent variable in the experiment is the car because I had to send the car in motion, or in other words manipulate it. The dependent variable is the track the car was tested on because during the test nothing was done to it. The basic controls to this experiment was simply to push the car up the track to record the data needed for the test.
Procedures:
1.) Connect the motion sensor to the GLX, in one of the slots located at the top of it. Also make sure the range setting is set to the 'near' position (which is the cart icon).
2.) Press the button to turn on the GLX. The graph screen should open with a graph of position (m) versus time (s).
3.) Set-up the PASCO track on the table and attach the motion sensor to one end of it. Use 2 or 3 books to create a ramp on the same side as the motion sensor.
4.) Aim the sensor so that, the it will pick up the car's signal when the car moves up and down the ramp. **It is easier to have one partner operate the GLX and the other partner push the cart.**
5.) Press the START button to begin the experiment by activating the motion sensor. **The motion sensor should give off a "clicking noise" proving that it is measuring.**
6.) Push the cart from the bottom of the track up the track to around 15cm away from the motion sensor and continue to record data until the cart reaches its starting point.
7.) Once the cart approaches its starting point, press the START button again to end the data collection.
8.) Finally, after completing all the steps listed above, scroll through the GLX to see the Velocity graph, Linear Fit graph, and Acceleration graph. Record or save the data.
Graphs:
Conclusion:
1.) The Position (m) versus Time (s) graph represents the relationship of the cart's position on the track in accordance to the motion sensor and the specific time the cart is in that position. The distance begins at a maximum because the car is going towards the sensor, which means it is the furthest distance away throughout the whole experiment at the start. As the cart moves up the ramp, the position decreases because the distance between the cart and the motion sensor is shorter.
2.) The Velocity (m/s) versus Time (s) graph represents the cart's constant velocity over a period of time in the experiment. The graph shows that the velocity going up the track very closely resembles the velocity when the cart travels down the track.
3.) The Acceleration (m/s^2) versus Time (s) graph represents the cart's constant or average acceleration throughout the test. The graph shows that the cart's overall speed did not really change during the cart's trip.
4.) The acceleration calculated in the Velocity (m/s) versus Time (s) graph compared to the average value of acceleration from the Acceleration (m/s^2) versus Time (s) graph are mutually the same.
