Conservation of Energy
On An Inclined Plane
BlackBoard Notes

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

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

• Conservation of energy theory is used to show that the final kinetic energy, K_f of a cart sliding down a frictionless incline is proportional to the initial potential energy, U_i
• K = ½mv², U = mgh
• "Reading a Vernier Caliper" (a lab practical skill!)
• Stay on track!
  • Start collecting data by 2:15 pm
  • Finish collecting data by 3:15 pm

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

• s_o = Photogate coordinate
• s = Starting cart coordinate
• x = s_o - s

• Photogate Setup - flag NOT at end of cart!

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

• What is the vertical distance (h) the cart falls?

     h = x·sinθ

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

• Model: Track is nearly frictionless, so use energy conservation:

• Plot ^v2/₂ vs. x. What function fits best? What can you determine from the graph?

======================= Fifth Board Section =============================

• Display results on a number line to show range of uncertainties:

• Present your slope and intercept as:
  • slope = ____ +/- _____ {units?}
  • intercept = ____ +/- _____ {units?}
    • (where first blank is the value, second blank is the uncertainty)

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Revised: 07 Jul 2025

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