Mechanics > Newton's Laws > Newton's Second Law DCS# 1G10.20

ACCELERATED CART ON A TRACK



APPARATUS
cart
101-05-G1
track
113B
force sensor
101-05-B2
adapter for force sensor
107-02-B2
motion sensor
101-05-B1
pulley on clamp
101-05-G3
weight hanger and weights
101-05-C
string
202-02-C3
balance
101-05-A
LabPro interface
107-02-B3
laptop with LoggerPro
206


DESCRIPTION
Hang the weight over the pulley to give the cart a constant acceleration.  Predict the acceleration and string tension from the values of the masses and compare with the sensor readings.  To minimize the effect of friction, collect data for a run consisting of motion "upstream" and back and find the average acceleration and tension.  Compare the tension in the string when the cart is stationary to that when the system is accelerating.

NOTES

Aim the motion sensor so that it can see the cart along the entire track, except for the 0.5 m blind spot directly in front of the sensor.

The acceleration vs time graph may be too noisy to be useful, in which case use the slope of the best-fit line to the relevant portion of a velocity vs time graph.

Use the "Motion and Force" experiment file with the calibration info for the particular force sensor.  Zero the force sensor (using the software) when it is secured to the cart with no force on the hook.