Study Constant Acceleration with a Fan Cart
A dynamic way to present constant acceleration.
- Quality cart, fan, and track construction provides smooth acceleration.
- Fan is an interesting accelerating force that engages students.
- Works as a class demonstration or group activity.
The Teaching Challenge
Constant acceleration can be surprisingly difficult concept for students to understand. While students will usually have little trouble with constant velocity, understanding constantly changing velocity can prove to be elusive.
The PASCO Solution
This is a good activity for introducing Newton's Third Law of Motion and showing how it relates to Newton's Second Law.
Solution at a Glance
| Qty. | ||
| 1.2 m PAScar Dynamics System (ME-6955) | $259 | 1 |
| Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) | $349 | 1 |
| PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) | $80 | 1 |
| Fan Accessory (ME-9491) | $59 | 1 |
| PASPORT Visual Accelerometer (PS-2128) | $189 | 1 |
For more product information and to order products separately, see below.
How It Works
This is a dynamic and interesting way to teach constant acceleration.
This activity provides an interesting way to start students thinking about the causes of an object's acceleration. A Dynamics Cart with a Fan Accessory attached is placed on a level track, and a Motion Detector is placed at the end of the track. When the fan is activated, it provides a constant force causing the cart to accelerate down the track at a constant rate. This motion can be easily studied using PASCO probeware.Use our Visual Accelerometer attached between the Dynamics Cart and the Fan Accessory to demonstrate constant acceleration during reversed motion. A gentle push "against the fan" will get the cart going. Your students will then be able to see that the acceleration is constant in direction and amount even as the cart slows to a halt and then speeds up back the way it came.
Data from a cart accelerated along a level track by a fan cart.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Study constant acceleration using our Dynamics Systems and an Xplorer GLX
PAStrack Dynamics System (ME-6961) - $249
The PAStrack Dynamics System is designed to study collision, Newton’s law, oscillations, Hooke’s law, velocity, and acceleration.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) - $80
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Fan Accessory (ME-9491) - $59
Provides carts self propulsion capability and includes a safety guard to protect student's fingers.
PASPORT Visual Accelerometer (PS-2128) - $189
Displays acceleration direction and magnitude visually by using high intensity wide-angled LED. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Study constant acceleration using our Dynamics Systems and a computer
PAStrack Dynamics System (ME-6961) - $249
The PAStrack Dynamics System is designed to study collision, Newton’s law, oscillations, Hooke’s law, velocity, and acceleration.
SPARKlink (PS-2009) - $129
SPARKlink is a sensor interface with two ports to accept PASPORT sensors and USB connection to a computer running SPARKvue software. Built in temperature and voltage sensors allow for measurements right out of the box.
DataStudio Software (Site License) (CI-6871G) - $359
The award-winning DataStudio is the only software you need to collect, display and analyze scientific data. Site License.
Fan Accessory (ME-9491) - $59
Provides carts self propulsion capability and includes a safety guard to protect student's fingers.
PASPORT Visual Accelerometer (PS-2128) - $189
Displays acceleration direction and magnitude visually by using high intensity wide-angled LED. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
