Mechanics > Newton's Laws > Newton's Second Law

DCS# 1C20.30

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INCLINED AIR TRACK

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APPARATUS

air track	201A
300 g glider	202-14-C3
set of four spacers	202-14-C2
picket fence with saw blade spring	202-14-B
photogate	202-14-C1
laptop with LoggerPro	206
LabPro	107-02-B3

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DESCRIPTION

With a spacer under one leg of the air track, release the glider.  As the picket fence passes through the photogate, the computer will plot position and velocity vs. time.  To minimize the effects of friction, give the glider an initial velocity uphill, allow it to pass through the photogate twice (uphill and downhill) and average the two accelerations.

To find the acceleration, click and drag on the graph to select the velocity data of interest and use the "R=" button to fit a straight line to it. 

The air track feet are 2.00 m apart and the spacers are 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 1" high.

NOTES

Use the "inclined air track.cmbl" file.  Sensor setup:  photogate, motion timing, bar tape (spacing = 0.0152 m).