Help glider on an airtrack problem

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In summary, the conversation is about a physics laboratory experiment involving a glider on a frictionless air track. The goal is to determine the angle of inclination of the track based on the glider's speed and distance traveled. The conversation includes calculations of acceleration and weight, as well as using trigonometry to find the angle.
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physics_challenged
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Help...glider on an airtrack problem

In the physics laboratory, a glider is released from rest on a frictionless air track inclined at an angle similar to the one shown in the figure below . If the glider has gained a speed of 24 cm/s in traveling 50 cm from the starting point, what was the angle of inclination of the track?

Ok, what I have done is I figured out the acceleration to be 5.76. Would that be correct? And now I am having trouble trying to get the angle...I am not sure what to do. Please help. :frown:
 
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  • #2
5.76 cm/s^2 is the acceleration if the speed is the ending speed not the speed over time. The way I would find the angle from there is to find the weight of the glider and use the force of gravity and the horizontal force to get the angle using a tangent
 
  • #3
physics_challenged said:
Ok, what I have done is I figured out the acceleration to be 5.76.
Right, the acceleration is 5.76 cm/s^2 (or 0.0576 m/s^2).
And now I am having trouble trying to get the angle...I am not sure what to do.
What's the component of the weight along the track? (Draw a diagram; express the force along the track in terms of the angle--using a little trig.) Then apply F = ma, using what you calculated as the acceleration along the track. Then solve for the angle.
 

1. How does an airtrack work?

An airtrack is a device used in physics experiments to study the motion of objects without the interference of friction. It consists of a long track made of smooth material, such as aluminum, and is filled with a thin layer of air. This allows objects to glide along the track with minimal resistance, simulating a frictionless environment.

2. What is the purpose of using an airtrack in this experiment?

The purpose of using an airtrack in this experiment is to eliminate the effects of friction, which can significantly affect the results of the experiment. By removing friction, the experiment can accurately measure the motion and forces acting on the glider, allowing for more precise data and conclusions.

3. How can we calculate the acceleration of the glider on an airtrack?

The acceleration of the glider on an airtrack can be calculated using the equation a = (v2-v1)/t, where a is the acceleration, v2 is the final velocity, v1 is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval. This equation is derived from the definition of acceleration, which is the change in velocity over time.

4. What factors can affect the motion of the glider on an airtrack?

The motion of the glider on an airtrack can be affected by various factors such as the mass of the glider, the force applied to the glider, and the air resistance. The angle of the airtrack and any external forces, such as friction from the pulley, can also impact the motion of the glider.

5. How can we improve the accuracy of the results in the glider on an airtrack experiment?

To improve the accuracy of the results in the glider on an airtrack experiment, we can take multiple measurements and calculate the average values. It is also important to minimize any external factors that may affect the motion of the glider, such as air resistance or friction. Additionally, using more precise measuring tools and equipment can help to improve the accuracy of the data collected.

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