Physics Lab Report

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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities *

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1007

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Physics

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Dec 6, 2023

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Physics 1007 Lab Report Lab Report on Kinematics Summary : In order to complete this lab, I followed the instructor's instructions to study motion in one dimension, with constant velocity. The goal was to determine how the velocity of a matchbox car changed as it progressed across a glass surface. In order to gather observations, the software “audacity”, was used to take note at what time(s) our matchbox car surpassed four positions dispersed across the glass surface. The four positions at which timestamps were taken were dispersed equidistant from each other. The data collected was used to extrapolate the average velocity and acceleration of the matchbox car as it progressed across a glass surface. Introduction: Lab 2 is about motion in one dimension, with constant velocity. The aim of the lab was to determine how the velocity and acceleration of a matchbox car changed after the instantaneous moment in time that the car was given energy, or pushed. The factors that affected velocity and acceleration could have been the texture of the glass surface, changes in air resistance, lubrication between wheel bearings etc… The data collected during this lab were graphed, via x-t, v-t, and a-t graphs. Procedure: All materials were gathered. This included a glass surface, a matchbox car, a pen, scotch tape, measuring tape, 4 paper clips, and a computer (with audacity). First, using measuring tape, an 18” (45.72 cm) piece of scotch tape was cut and stuck onto the extreme right side of the glass surface. Next, a pen was taped onto the front end of the matchbox car so that 3⁄4 's of the pen was sticking out of the right side of the car. The right side of the pen was taped in a way that it was able to hover over the tape on the glass, given that the car was positioned on the middle of the glass surface. Then, using the measuring tape 4 paper clips were positioned 3.5” (8.89 cm) apart from each other. The first paperclip was positioned 6.5” (16.51 cm) from the back end of the matchbox car. Lastly, the software audacity was opened on a personal computer. Quantitative Experimentation Before collecting data, various trial runs were performed to get the equipment set up properly. During the initial trials, the paper clips were positioned too close to each other (~ 3.81cm apart).

This became a problem because the initial clicks of each clip falling over were not able to be differentiated from each other by audacity. Additionally, sometimes the clips fell on top of each other, distorting the sounds picked up by the software. In order to fix the issue, the clips were positioned further apart from each other, but still at a constant distance. Prediction and Method Questions Sketch what you think the car's x-t, v-t, and a-t graphs will look like. For now, consider the wheel bearings to be completely frictionless. X-t V-t A-t Describe how the graphs would change in each of the following cases: 1) The car bearings had a small amount of friction. a) X-t: the incline would be less steeper b) V-t: The incline would be less steeper c) A-t: The incline would be steeper 2) The track wasn't level in the direction of the car's motion, meaning it would be moving slightly uphill or downhill. a) X-t: If uphill, the incline would be less steeper, if downhill the incline would be more steeper b) V-t: If uphill, the incline would be less steeper, if downhill the incline would be more steeper c) A-t: If uphill, the incline would be steeper, if downhill the incline would be less steeper 3) The track wasn't level perpendicular to the direction of the car's motion, either the left edge or the right edge of the track slightly raised. a) X-t: The incline would be less steeper b) V-t: The incline would be less steeper c) A-t: The incline would be steeper Data-Taking It was somewhat difficult to differentiate the noise of the car’s wheels from the noise of the clips falling down on audacity. In order to fix the issue, the car was pushed with more force, so that

the noise from the clips falling down would become more audible to the software. A tool on audacity was also used to lower background noise, which helped. In order to collect data, the recording feature on audacity was initiated and the matchbox car was pushed across the glass surface, dropping each clip as it progressed along the glass. After all the clips fell, and the matchbox car came to a stop, the recording was halted. The time intervals at which each audio peak was generated were recorded into a lab journal. Next, the velocity and acceleration were calculated using excel. The formulas that were used to calculate each of these variables are shown below: Formula for Velocity Formula for Acceleration Results (x represents distance traveled, s represents time in seconds) x (Inches) x (Cm) Raw Time (s) Scaled Time (s) Velocity Acceleration 0 0 0.132 0 0 0 6.5 16.51 16.51 0.172 95.989 5.814 10.0 25.40 25.40 0.419 35.992 -6.745 13.5 34.29 34.29 0.556 64.891 3.251 17.0 43.18 43.18 0.727 51.988 -1.451 20.5 52.07 52.07 0.866 63.957 1.343 Data Analysis Upon analysis of the data, it became apparent that the car’s velocity changed as it progressed upon the glass surface. The car’s velocity decreased. There was no energy being applied onto the car after the initial point in time when the car was pushed. As the car progressed across the glass surface, friction acted as a resistance to motion, causing the car to slow down (negative acceleration).

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An issue with our analysis was that we extrapolated the acceleration between paper clip #3 to be a positive value of 3.251 cm/s 2 from a negative value of -6.745 cm/s 2 for paper clip #2. This issue persisted with paper clip #4 and paper clip #5. An issue with our analysis was that we extrapolated the acceleration between paper clip numbers 1/2 and 3/4 to be negative values. Theoretically, in this scenario, it was not possible for the car to achieve a positive acceleration unless there was some external energy acting upon the car after it had been pushed. I think this represented an underlying issue in our math, since the quantitative values for average velocity of the car as it progressed over the glass surface made sense (decreasing velocity). Conclusion In conclusion, in this lab, I observed a matchbox car progress through a glass surface. The software, “Audacity”, was used to determine how the velocity of a car changes as time passes. The average velocity and acceleration of the matchbox car was formulated using data obtained from audacity. Microsoft Excel was used to perform all mathematical calculations. All formulas were obtained from the lab manual. The results for the velocity of the car as it progressed through the glass surface were theoretically correct. However, errors in mathematical calculations are most likely the culprit of inaccuracies in the car's acceleration at certain points. In order to make the experiment better next time, more data points can help to obtain more accurate results. Double-checking all math calculations can also be beneficial.

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