Study Constant Acceleration on an Inclined Plane
A new take on a classic way to present a challenging concept.
- Quality cart and track construction provides smooth, consistent acceleration.
- Setup is quick and easy.
- Works as a class demonstration or group activity.
The Teaching Challenge
Acceleration is always a tricky concept to teach. Students generally understand constant velocity--changing position at a constant rate--fairly easily. But changing velocity at a constant rate is often much harder for them to grasp. In this case students see that even thought the cart moves up the track and then back down, the acceleration is constant.
The PASCO Solution
When your students are ready to advance, this is also an ideal method for demonstrating how objects can change direction while under constant acceleration. Simply launch the cart up the track toward the detector, and study its complete motion up and down the track. Its changing velocity and constant acceleration will be obvious on the data plot.
This activity makes a great jumping off point for studying vectors and force components.
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 |
| Small "A" Base (ME-8976) | $39 | 1 |
| Stainless Steel Rod, 60 cm Threaded (ME-8977) | $26 | 1 |
For more product information and to order products separately, see below.
Acceleration on an Inclined Track (237 KB)
How It Works
Using this system, teaching constant acceleration is straightforward.
This experiment is very straightforward and easy to run. A Dynamics System track is inclined, with a Motion Detector placed at the top facing down the track, and a bumper stop placed at the bottom. A Dynamics Cart is placed at the top of the track. Data collection begins, and the cart is pushed toward the top of the track. It slows down, reverses direction and then gains velocity on its way down.. Even with the change in motion, the cart accelerates at a constant rate down the track and, because the track's inclination is fixed, consistent results are assured and recorded for analysis.
Downloads
- Word document: Acceleration on an Inclined Track (185 KB, .doc)
Instructions for studying the acceleration of a cart pushed up a Dynamics Track toward a Motion Detector.
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.
Small "A" Base (ME-8976) - $39
An iron cast base with openings for threaded and non-threaded rods.
Stainless Steel Rod, 60 cm Threaded (ME-8977) - $26
Threaded stainless steel rod with diameter of 1/2 inch.
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.
Small "A" Base (ME-8976) - $39
An iron cast base with openings for threaded and non-threaded rods.
Stainless Steel Rod, 60 cm Threaded (ME-8977) - $26
Threaded stainless steel rod with diameter of 1/2 inch.
