P9 - Acceleration of a Trolley

Step 1

Set the software to measure acceleration from gate A to B then measure and enter length of card mask that cuts light beams into computer

Step 2

Measure and enter the distance between the light gates into the computer then measure the mass of the all the masses and trolley together

Step 3

Start with one accelerating mass and the rest on the trolley then let the mass accelerate the trolley and record the acceleration

Step 4

Calculate the accelerating force by multiplying the accelerating mass by 9.8 N/kg

Step 5

Move a mass from the trolley to the stack of masses (this keeps the total mass constant) and repeat.

Step 6

Repeat until all the masses are on the stack then plot a graph of force against acceleration.