Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
SharePoint

1C10.20 - Constant Velocity Cart

The Web Part cannot find an InfoPath form in the specified location. Either the location does not have an InfoPath form associated with it or it is on a different site collection. Modify the Web Part Properties and select a list or library on the current site.

​1C10.20 - Constant Velocity Cart

Preview
SelectSelected
Title1C10.20 - Constant Velocity Cart
Objective

To show that a cart traveling with no acceleration​ will travel with a constant velocity.

StatusAvailable
Assembly Instructions

Set up the air track on a 5-ft cart, if available.  Set up two timers and both photogates to measure time of individual cart passage (starts time on leading edge, ends time on leaving edge). Connect the air supply to the air track and connect the air supply to an on/off switch.  Must level track first and re-check its level once the cart is pulled into the classroom.  Its important that no acceleration is present on a horizontal track.

Be careful not to scratch the surface of the air track or of the carts used on the air track.  Be sure to store the carts correctly when tearing down the demo (upside down without anything touching the surface that contacts the track).

Setup Time10
Operation Time5
Preview Time5
Operation Instructions

​Make sure the photogate timers are reset.  Turn on the air supply and allow the system to come to full power.  Place the cart on the air track and give it an initial velocity.  Observe the measured time of the carts travel through the photogate.  Both photogates should read the same value, regardless of the initial speed.  To run it a second time, just make sure you reset the photogate timers.

ExportableNo
Demo on DimeNo
PIRA 200Yes
Export Instructions (if different)
HazardsNone
Analysis/Information

​An object that travels at a constant velocity has no acceleration.  If you graph position vs time for an object traveling at a constant velocity, the position vs time graph would be a line with a constant slope equal to the velocity. The velocity vs. time graph would be a horizontal line with a y-intercept equal to the speed of the object.  The acceleration vs time graph will be a horizontal line through the origin as there is no acceleration when an object travels at a constant velocity.

Category1 Mechanics
Subcategory1C - Motion in One Dimension
Keywordsconstant velocity, photogate, air track
Construction Information
 
Equipment TitleUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
QuantityUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
air track - 5'
1
air track cart, short
1
photogate
2
clock - digital timer
2
switch - on/off with power outlet
1
air pump - mounted on wooden base
1