Basic Idea:

• Measure the acceleration of a cart on an inclined track.

	What:	How Many:	Where:
	Pasco Dynamics Track	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelves J0 & JJ0      (Look up!)
	Pasco Collision Cart (w/o plunger - see below)	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F4
	500g Mass Block (black)	1 (see note below)	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F4
	Pasco Photogate bracket (attaches photogate head to track!)	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F4
	Foam pad	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F4
	Photogates	1	non-Majors Storeroom, BB3
	Large bench clamp	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf C4
	5/8" drafting board	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf J2
	2 x 4 scrap (short piece)	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf J3
	Steel Rod (13mm x 50cm)	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf A3
	Rod Base	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf A5
	Metersticks	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf AA1
	Rubber band	1	Physics Office
	30 m measuring tape	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA4

Computers Needed?

• Yes.

• Lab Setup (see this page for detailed photos!):

  Note #1: Make sure the edge of the drafting board is aligned with the edge of the track, as shown. This makes it easier to measure the height of the track above the table!
  Note #2: Offset the tracks as shown below, so students don't have to reach over the table!

  

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• Setup (this is the view students get facing the side of the lab):

  

  Notes:
  • Set h = 10.5 cm, which gives a track angle of approximately 3° (angle in picture is exaggerated!)
  • Wedge track in position with the pieces of wood.
  • Push support legs over so they don't interfere with the lab bench.
  • Place the end bumpers at the 10 cm and 225 cm marks.
  • Foam pad cushions collision; keeps cart from bouncing off the track. Secure with a rubber band.

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• Collision Cart (shown with 500g mass block):

  
  Image courtesy of PASCO Scientific
  

  Note:
  • Put extra mass on two carts only; compare acceleration of light and heavy carts.

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• Set photogates to pulse, 1 ms, and memory On (the red light is on).

• On sunny days, the window shades should be drawn; bright sunlight will affect photogate performance.

• Be sure the tracks are as clean as possible.