Physics Lab on Motion and Acceleration

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Questions and Answers

What two general purposes does today’s lab serve?

To measure mass and energy

To explore concepts of position, velocity, and acceleration, and to familiarize with data acquisition systems (correct)

To learn about chemical reactions and mixtures

To study thermodynamics and heat transfer

What technology is the position sensor based on?

Infrared waves

Magnetic fields

Laser detection

Ultrasound technology (correct)

What is the method used by the position sensor to determine distance?

Calculating the thermal energy loss

Using visual recognition of objects

Measuring the time taken for laser light to reflect

Calculating the time for an ultrasonic pulse to travel to a target and back (correct)

What are the key preparatory steps mentioned for lab session readiness?

Studying concepts, reading the lab manual, and completing Pre-Lab Assignment questions Signup and view all the answers

Which software will be used to analyze the data collected during the lab?

LoggerPro™ Signup and view all the answers

What type of wave does the position sensor utilize to calculate distance?

Sound waves Signup and view all the answers

What chapters are required for pre-lab reading?

Chapters A2.10 and A3.2 - 3.13 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of sensor to be used in future labs?

Pressure sensor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the talker team during the activity?

To describe the motion needed to generate the graph without referencing shapes. Signup and view all the answers

When the talkers describe the plot to the movers, what is explicitly forbidden?

Using gestures or pointing to the screen. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a 'good copy' of the plot according to the talker's criteria?

The relative slopes and the time spent in each phase of the motion. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mover team play in this activity?

They physically reproduce the motion described by talkers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms should the talkers incorporate into their descriptions?

Starting position and turning around point. Signup and view all the answers

If the initial attempt by movers is deemed inadequate, what should they do?

Revise their strategy based on talkers' feedback and try again. Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is necessary to add a velocity graph back to the screen?

Choose 'Insert' and select 'Graph' from the menu. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the sensor mistakenly registers an object other than the cart during the experiment?

Only minor inaccuracies are acceptable, provided the main motion is correct. Signup and view all the answers

What should you ensure when detecting the cart's position?

The detector can measure the cart's position over the entire length of the track. Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate that the motion detector is seeing the track instead of the cart?

The graph displays a constant displacement. Signup and view all the answers

How can you reverse the direction of the motion detector?

Through the menu bar under 'Experiment'. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after reversing the direction of the motion detector?

Re-zero the detector. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that data collection has started during the experiment?

A repetitive clicking sound is heard from the detector. Signup and view all the answers

What should you not allow in the range of the motion detector?

Other objects like your backpack. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average uphill acceleration (aup) measured in the experiment?

A value less than or equal to 9.80 m/s² Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance the cart should be positioned from the motion detector?

0.15m Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between uphill acceleration (aup) and downhill acceleration (adown)?

They can differ due to frictional forces. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the graph as data is gathered when the cart moves away from the sensor?

It extends to the right in real time. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before calling the TA for Checkpoint #2?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

How should uncertainties be treated in calculations of aup and adown?

They must be included in all calculations of averages and comparisons. Signup and view all the answers

When predicting the acceleration for a type 'C' plot, what is the first step?

Draw the predicted plot on the whiteboard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inclining the track in Part C?

To generate a graph utilizing gravity instead. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to calculate the downward acceleration due to gravity, g?

The average acceleration along the track and the inclination angle. Signup and view all the answers

When assessing if calculated g is consistent with the generally-accepted value, what aspect should be analyzed?

The measured values and their uncertainties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step after capturing the motion with the cart on the inclined track?

Store the motion data using LoggerPro. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of friction's effects, what conclusion can be drawn?

Friction will cause a negative bias to the results. Signup and view all the answers

In replicating a type 'D' plot by hand, what should you pay attention to?

The speed of the cart when initially placed. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to compare multiple graphs on the same screen in LoggerPro?

Use the 'Auto Arrange' feature in the Page menu. Signup and view all the answers

What does the calculated average acceleration along the track help determine?

The force acting against gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to discuss the predicted acceleration with your group before plotting?

To strengthen collaboration and improve accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT recommended for reporting measurements and uncertainties?

Rounded values without context. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you raise one end of the track about 5 cm?

The cart will roll down due to gravitational acceleration. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

This lab explores position, velocity, and acceleration.
It uses a rolling cart on a track.
It introduces the use of computer-based data acquisition systems.
It utilizes a position sensor based on ultrasound technology.

Pre-Lab Preparation

Required reading: Kudu: Chapter A2.10 and Chapters A3.2 - 3.13.
Emphasis on vectors, displacement, instantaneous velocity, and acceleration.

Procedure

Use the motion detector to measure the position of the cart.
Reverse the direction of the detector to change the direction of the motion.
Acquire data with the cart moving away from the sensor.
Interpret the plot and describe the motion of the cart to the other team members.
Reproduce the plot by moving the cart manually based on the verbal description.
Record the results, including a sketch of the plot, a summary of the instructions, and a screenshot of the LoggerPro screen.
Swap roles and repeat with a different plot.

Constant Acceleration

Predict the acceleration vs. time plot for the previously recorded motion.
Replicate a different plot by moving the cart manually, paying attention to initial speed.
Use gravity to replicate the motion by inclining the track.
Record the acceleration data for uphill and downhill motions.

Conclusion Questions

Calculate the average uphill and downhill accelerations with uncertainties.
Compare the two accelerations and explain if they are consistent.
Calculate the average acceleration along the track.
Using the average acceleration and track inclination angle, calculate the acceleration due to gravity.
Compare the calculated value of gravity with the accepted value (9.80 m/s²) and justify the answer considering uncertainties.
Analyze the effect of friction on the calculated value of gravity.

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Description

Explore the concepts of position, velocity, and acceleration through a hands-on lab using a rolling cart and a motion detector. This lab emphasizes the use of computer-based data acquisition systems and requires the interpretation of motion through data collection and analysis. Preparation includes required readings from Kudu that focus on vectors and motion principles.