relationship between acceleration and slope

[leftyguitarjo]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Well, I did an experiment to find a quantitative relationship between an objects acceleration and the slope of the surface it is on. This involves no other propulsion other than gravity itself. It is a very simple setup: A track with one end lifted to various heights, a motion detector hooked up to a computer to log speed, acceleration and position, and a little cart to go down the track.


2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution
I used linear regression and the data collected, and got a=.14h-0.9
BUT
I was expecting a square root somewhere in there and an asymptote of about 9.8 because it obviously wont accelerate faster than gravity.

I already recieved credit for the work, but I want to know the actual formula (if any)

[Doc Al]

Figure it out. What's the component of gravity acting down the incline?

[leftyguitarjo]

I'm sorry, but I just dont know.

Remember, I'm only at a high school level. I've only gotten as far as kinematics, and through my electrical work, I know a bit about electrical theory.

But i will look into this subject further. I want to impress the teacher:rolleyes:

[Doc Al]

This might help: Inclined Planes (http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/Phys/Class/vectors/u3l3e.html)

[leftyguitarjo]

Thank you!

At this point in time, I'm a sponge, so I'll soak up anything you hurl at me!