PENN STATE DUBOIS
Physics 150 / 250
Lab #2 Accelerated Motion
Purpose: Study two cases of constant accelerated motion – uniform motion along the x-axis (using the cart) and free fall (using the book).
Equipment Introduction: We will be using the Sonic Sensor again. We are also using the Pasco track plane and rolling cart.
Aim and Design of Experiments: The goals are to get you to be good at producing graphs of motion and interpreting them. The basic goal is to do two experiments – one for linear accelerated motion and one for free fall. Obtain graphs for position, velocity, acceleration v. time. Fit data to appropriate curves and interpret equations obtained from the fit.
Calibration: Use the one-step calibration of the sensor.
Equipment: Data Studio Interface, Sonic Sensor, Pasco track, carts.
Graph manipulations and Data Analysis: There are several things you can do with the graphical display to make it more useful.
· change the scale.
· The fit button allows you to fit curves to the data. Use the Linear Fit (to find the best straight line) get slopes and intercepts and non linear fits to determine form of data.
· You need to select the data you are interested in analyzing (The cart will hit the end of the track or the book will hit the floor making wild data.). Actively select the data that interests you by clicking and dragging to create a region in your graph.
NAME______NAME______NAME______
REPORT FOR LAB #2
PENN STATE DUBOIS
Physics 150/250
Do this all on the computer by copying and pasting to a WORD document. This is a formal write up. Answer the following questions and carry out the following instructions. I want one hard copy for your lab group.
1) Draw a diagram or take a photo of the equipment and experimental situation (a sketch by hand is OK). Properly label it.
2) Make a brief statement about procedure.
3) Present your graphs for the accelerated motion.
How well do they support the theory of constant acceleration?
4) Present and discuss your data
5) Conclusions – what did you learn today?