Experiment A2

Question 1

The aims of this experiment are: (2)

Answer 1

a. ) to measure the acceleration and initial velocity of a wheel and axle combination as it rolls down an inclined plane;
b. ) to illustrate one method of turning a non-linear graph into a straight line.

Question 2

The equation of translational motion of a body moving with constant acceleration a is:

Answer 2

s = Vot + 1/2at^2

Question 3

where s is the displacement after time t and Vo is the initial velocity

The speed of the body after a time t is:

Answer 3

V = Vo + at

Question 4

Method:

A wheel and axle are allowed to roll down an inclined set of rails and timed over various distances of travel:

—-> The inclination of the rails has been adjusted to give a small acceleration. Why is this?

Answer 4

A small acceleration allows for us to study the motion of the object in greater depth. Furthermore, it allows for lesser inaccuracies to take place when obtaining results.

Question 5

—-> The inclination must be the same for both rails. Why?

Answer 5

The inclination must be the same for both rails, as the components of the angle formed between the rails will have an effect on the motion of the object. Therefore, the aim of the experiment would be nullified.

Question 6

—-> Why must you always measure s and t from the same point, which is some distance below the starting point?

Answer 6

We need to measure s and t, from the same point to ensure the object has the object has the initial velocity for every measurement.

Question 7

The slope of your graph is a/2, whereas from equation (A2.2) the slope of a v-t graph is a. Explain the difference.

Answer 7

a/2 Occurs when you plot the average speed against distance.

a Occurs when you plot the instantaneous speed in the normal v − t graphs.

Question 8

Why is your measured acceleration of the wheel and axle completely different from g sin θ?

Answer 8

The value obtained for g sin θ is only accurate for a slope that is frictionless, however, the slope used in the experiment was not frictionless. Hence, why the values are different, and why the value obtained for g sin θ is greater in magnitude than the value I obtained. Also, the block involves translational motion while the wheel and axle involve rotational motion.