Experiment 2- Measuring Acceleration (Changing velocitys)

Aim?

To investigate the varying linear motion of a rider on an air track using two light gates and a scaler timer.

Equipment?

Air track, blower, rider, card, two light gates, scaler timer, metre stick, retort stands, pulley, thread, scale pan and weights.

Method?

Level the air track using a spirit level and turn on the blower.

Set up the two light gates and connect them to the scaler timer.

Attach the rider to a scale pan using a thread over a pulley. Add weights to the pan.

Release the pan so the rider accelerates along the track.

Record the transit times and at the two light gates.

Measure the distance between the light gates and the length of the card.

Repeat with different weights on the pan.

How to find s?

Distance between gates

How to find initial velocity (u)?

u= l/t1

How to find final velocity(v)?

v= l/ t2

How to find acceleration (a)?

Sources of error?

Parallax error when measuring the card or distance.

Card not parallel to the direction of motion.

Light beam not perpendicular to the card.

Precautions?

Level the air track.

Measure distances carefully.

Catch the rider at the end and switch off the blower.

Conclusion?

The rider accelerates due to the pulling force from the hanging weights.