Basic Idea:

• Measure energy conservation of a cart on an inclined track. This setup is similar to the Momentum experiment, except only one cart and photogate are used!

• 8 

	What:	How Many:	Where:
Already in Lab from Previous Air Track Experiment
	Air Tracks	1	non-Majors Storeroom, on top of shelves
	Gold Air Cart	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf N4
	Gold Cart flag	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf N4 (in box labeled “Gold Air Cart Accessories”)
	Drafting board	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf J2
	Photogate	1	non-Majors Storeroom, BB3
New This Week
	Tall Wood platform About 9 cm tall	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf J3
	2-Meterstick	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf AA1
	Meterstick calipers	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA3
	Vernier calipers	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA4
	Small plastic pipe (for practice measuring with vernier calipers)	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA4
The Following are Needed for the Silver Tracks Only!
	Small wood "backstop"	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf N4
	Large bench clamp	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf C4
The Following is Used for an Instructor Demo
	Old wood inclined plane	1	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf R1

Notes:

• Lab Setup (photo details):
  • Note: This is the same setup as Conservation of Momentum, except only one photogate is used, and a wood platform is added
  • Only the gold carts are used, on all 8 tracks.
  • Move tracks from center to outer edge of lab benches
  • Stuff Jeff will do!
    • Secure the silver tracks to the lab bench with a drafting board, small wood backstop, and 2 large bench clamps; the hard plastic feet slide on the table! See photo details.

©	St. Lawrence University	Department of Physics

Revised: 11 Jul 2024

Canton, NY 13617