Higher Physics

Mechanics - Activity 1   

Measurement of Acceleration

Aim - To calculate the acceleration of a trolley moving down a slope

          Instructions
  • Release the trolley from the top of the slope
  • When the trolley passes the first light beam, start Timer 3
  • When the trolley passes the second light beam stop Timer 3
  • Knowing the length of the card and the time to pass the first light beam, calculate u, the average speed as the trolley passes through the first light beam.
  • Similarly, calculate v, the average speed as the trolley passes through the second light beam.
  • Repeat the experiment 5 times and present your results in a table similar to the one below.
  • Calculate the acceleration for each run
  • Calculate the mean acceleration and the uncertainty in your answer

Copyright Physics Support Materials 2000

Run t/ s u  / m s-1 t/ s v  / m s-1 t/ s a  / m s-2
1            
2            
3            
4            
5