PHY_10_3_V1_P_defining acceleration of a body moving on an inclined plane

Physical Measurement

Laboratory work – defining acceleration of a body moving on an inclined plane

Оbjectives

Give an example of a systematic and random error in a laboratory experiment
Calculate the uncertainties in experimental data

Success criteria

Demonstrates the choice of a reasonable number of decimal places for measurements and can use this in successive calculations.
Knows the concept of systematic error.
Knows the concept of statistical (random) error.
Finds a difference between systematic and statistical (random) errors.
Knows how to determine uncertainties
Defines uncertainties

Subject-specific vocabulary & terminology:
all SI units and their multiples and submultiples encountered in the subject programme. E.g. gigawatt, picofarad, measurement, uncertainty, error, zero error, systematic, random
Useful sets of phrases for dialogue and writing:
The magnitude of the force on the train is 210 kilonewton (kN).
Mass is a scalar quantity.
Velocity is a vector quantity and it has a direction as well as a magnitude.

Measuring instruments: 1) measuring tape; 2) metronome
Materials: 1) chute/track; 2) ball; 3) tripod with a moveable clamp; 4) metal cylinder.

Laboratory work

Procedure

1. Secure the chute with the tripod at a slight incline (at a small angle) above the horizontal (Fig). Place the metal cylinder at the lower end of the chute.
2. After letting the ball go (at the same time as the metronome strike) at the upper end of the chute, count the number of beats of the metronome until the ball collides with the cylinder. It is recommended for this experiment to set the metronome at 120 beats per minute.
3. Change the angle of the chute to the horizontal and slightly move the metal cylinder, so that there are 4 metronome beats (3 intervals between beats) between the moment the ball is let go and the moment it collides with the cylinder.

4. Calculate the time of movement of the ball.
5. Using a measuring tape, determine the distance s that the ball moves. Without changing the angle of incline of the chute (i.e. the conditions of the experiment should remain unchanged), repeat the experiment five times, again trying to match the fourth beat of the metronome with the ball hitting the metal cylinder (the cylinder may be moved slightly).
6. Using the formula, find the average value of the magnitude of the displacement, and then calculate the average value of the magnitude of the acceleration:

7. Record your measurements and calculations in the table:





8. Calculate the errors (uncertainties).

Reflection

I think I am performing or have performed the laboratory work correctly so far
I know how to correctly finish the remaining parts of the laboratory work.