In this experiment, students derive the kinematic equations.

• Microsoft Word version of this lab:
  (Zip file | Stuffit file)

• Xplorer GLX (PS-2002)
• Motion Sensor (PS-2103)
• 1.2 m PAScar Dynamics System (ME-6955)
• Constant Speed Buggy (SE-8028)
• Large Base and Rod (ME-9355) optional

1. Place the Buggy 15 cm away from the Motion Sensor pointing away from the Motion Sensor.


2. Turn on the Buggy and press the Start Button on the GLX.


3. When the Buggy has traveled about 1 m, press the Stop Button.


4. Repeat if necessary.

1. Press and select the Linear Fit tool.


2. Manipulate the region of the Linear Fit, if necessary, by pressing and selecting "Swap Cursors."


3. Print the graph. Connect a USB printer directly to the GLX. Press and select "Print."

   Or

4. Sketch the graph. Make sure to include the proper units, the slope, and the vertical intercept.

1. Place the Buggy 1.5 m away from the Motion Sensor pointing toward the Motion Sensor.


2. Turn on the Buggy and press the Start Button on the GLX.


3. When the Buggy has traveled about 1 m, press the Stop Button and turn off the Buggy .


4. Repeat if necessary.

1. Press and select the Linear Fit tool.


2. Manipulate the region of the Linear Fit, if necessary.


3. Print the graph.

   Or

4. Sketch the graph. Make sure to include the proper units, the slope, and the vertical intercept.

1. Connect the Motion Sensor to the track.


2. Set the track on an incline as in the picture at right.


3. Release the cart from the top of the ramp and press the Start Button.


4. Just before the cart reaches the end of the ramp, press the Stop Button.


5. Repeat if necessary

1. Press the Check Button twice to highlight and change the vertical intercept.


2. Select "Velocity" as in the picture above. The data is converted to a Velocity vs. Time graph.


3. Press and select the Linear Fit tool. Manipulate the region of the Linear Fit, if necessary


4. Print the graph.

   Or

5. Sketch the graph. Make sure to include the proper units, the slope, and the vertical intercept.


6. If the instructor asks you complete the Extension below, save your data by pressing the Home button and selecting the Data Files icon. Press to save.

Part 1: The Buggy

1. For the graph of the Buggy going away from the Motion Sensor, what physical property does each of the following represent?
1. Slope.
2. Sign of the Slope.
3. Vertical Intercept.

2. For the graph of the Buggy going away from the Motion Sensor, write a linear equation (y=mx+b) using the proper units and variables.


3. For the graph of the Buggy going toward the Motion Sensor, what physical property does each of the following represent?
1. Slope.
2. Sign of the Slope.
3. Vertical Intercept.

4. For the graph of the Buggy going toward the Motion Sensor, write a linear equation (y=mx+b) using the proper units and variables.

Part 2: The Cart on the Incline

5. For the graph of the cart going down the track, what physical property does each of the following represent?
1. Slope.
2. Sign of the Slope.
3. Vertical Intercept.

6. For the graph of the cart going down the track, write a linear equation (y=mx+b) using the proper units and variables.

1. Retrieve the data from Part 2, The Cart on the Incline.

Squaring the Time Values:

2. Press the Home button, then to activate the Calculator .


3. Press and select "Time."


4. Press and select "^2."


5. Press the Check button.


6. Press the Home button, then to observe the Graph .


7. Press the Check button to highlight the axes.


8. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the Time axis.


9. Press the Check button to change the Time axis into a Time squared axis as in the picture above.

Linear Fit:

10. Press and select the Linear Fit.


11. Manipulate the region of the Linear Fit, if necessary, by pressing and selecting Swap Cursors.


12. Print the graph.

  Or

13. Sketch the graph. Make sure to include the proper units, the slope, and the vertical intercept.

1. What physical property does each of the following represent?
1. Slope.
2. Sign of the Slope.
3. Vertical Intercept.

2. Write a linear equation using the proper units and variables.


3. Compare the slope from the Extension exercise to the slope from Part 2, The Cart on the Incline. Explain any differences and/or similarities.