Basic Idea:

• Measure energy conservation of a cart on an inclined track.

• 8 

What:	How Many:	Where:
Air Tracks	1	151 Lab (Bewkes 204)
Air Carts	1 – Large, or 1 – Small	Majors Storeroom, shelf B3
Photogates	1	non-Majors Storeroom, BB3
Metersticks & 2-Metersticks	1 each	non-Majors Storeroom, shelf AA1
Small bubble level	1	Ask Jeff

Computers Needed?

• Yes (See Computer Notes below).

• Lab Setup:

  

  ---

• Air track setup (connect to the overhead air supply with a hose clamp):
  

  ---

• Leveling of air tracks:
  

  ---

• Attaching photogates to airtrack (the base of the photgate sits on top of the I-beam; use rubber bands to hold it in place):
  

  ---

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

• Aircarts should have small metal angle bracket taped on top flush with one end to trip the photogate. Make sure photogates are tripped by this "flag", and not the cart (there is a small hole in the cart that can cause erroneous readings).

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

• Be sure the air tracks are as clean as possible - use acetone if necessary. Also, check the under surface of the air carts for dents and scratchs; use a small file to smooth.

• The bubble level is used to check the level of the track.

• Computer Notes: KaleidaGraph needs a General fit called "Linear w/Uncertainties":

  a + b*x; a=1; b=1;