Kinematics: Constant Acceleration
BlackBoard Notes

======================= Photo - Click for a Larger Version =============================

======================= First Board Section =============================

• x_start : Track coordinate at release (does not change)
• x_i : Track coordinate at photogate #1 (does not change)
• x_f : Track coordinate at photogate #2 (changes)
• y = x_f – x_i
• On sketch, clearly show where you took your measurements to calculate θ!

======================= Second Board Section =============================

• On a frictionless incline:

• Acceleration of block:
  • F = ma
  • F_g sinθ = ma_y
  • (mg)sinθ = ma_y
  • a_y = g sinθ       (the expected acceleration)

======================= Third Board Section =============================

• Model for uniform acceleration:

y = y_o + v_ot + ½a_yt²

• Test the model: plot y vs. t, fit a 2^nd order polynomial to the data (show small y vs. t graph; color code to show how they match up):

Model: y = y_o + v_ot + ½a_yt²
Kaleidagraph: y = a + bx + cx²

======================= Fourth Board Section =============================

• Compare each parameter (y_o, v_o, a_y) to their expected values. Do they agree within the uncertainty of your mesurements? If not, explain why?
• What is the SSR (and its units) of your fit?
• Stay on track!
  • Start to collect data by 2:00 pm
  • Finish collecting data, start analysis by 3:00 pm

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Revised: 01 Nov 2022

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