Acceleration of an Object Down a Slope

Introduction

• To measure the acceleration of an object moving down a slope, we can use the setup shown below, which involves the use of light gates, a timer, and a trolley with a known-length mask.

Equipment

The equipment required for this experiment includes:

• Two light gates
• Timer
• Trolley carrying a mask (a piece of card) with a known length

Experimental Setup

• Set up the apparatus as shown in the photograph, ensuring that the trolley is positioned to run down the slope, and the mask on the trolley can cut the beams of both light gates.

Measurements Required

• Length of Mask: Measure the length of the mask in meters. This provides the known distance the trolley will travel.
• Time to Cut the First Light Gate: Measure the time it takes for the trolley to cut the first light gate in seconds.
• Time Between Light Gates: Measure the time interval between the two light gates in seconds.
• Time to Cut the Second Light Gate: Measure the time it takes for the trolley to cut the second light gate in seconds.

Calculating Acceleration

The acceleration of the trolley down the slope can be calculated using the following formula:

• Acceleration = (2 x Length of Mask) / (Time to Cut Second Light Gate^2 - Time to Cut First Light Gate^2)

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Measuring the Acceleration of an Object Down a Slope

Physics

Steps

• Measure and record the length of the mask.
• Position the trolley at the top of the slope.
• Start the timer when the trolley is released.
• Record the time it takes for the trolley to cut the first light gate.
• Record the time it takes for the trolley to cut the second light gate.
• Calculate the time interval between the two light gates (Time Between Light Gates = Time to Cut Second Light Gate - Time to Cut First Light Gate).
• Use the formula to calculate the acceleration of the trolley down the slope.

Summary

• To measure the acceleration of an object down a slope, set up the experiment with two light gates, a timer, and a trolley carrying a mask.
• Measure the length of the mask, the time to cut the first light gate, the time to cut the second light gate, and calculate the time interval between the light gates.
• Use the formula to calculate the acceleration of the trolley based on these measurements.
• This experiment helps understand how objects accelerate when subjected to a gravitational force down an inclined plane.