Relationship between acceleration and slope

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on an experiment to determine the relationship between an object's acceleration and the slope of a surface using gravity as the sole propulsion. The setup includes a track inclined at various heights, with a motion detector to measure speed and acceleration. The participant used linear regression to derive the equation a = 0.14h - 0.9 but expected a square root relationship and an asymptote of 9.8 m/s², indicating a misunderstanding of the physics involved. They seek clarification on the component of gravity acting down the incline and express a desire to deepen their understanding of the topic. The conversation highlights the importance of grasping the fundamental principles of kinematics and gravitational forces.
leftyguitarjo
Messages
52
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


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.


Homework Equations





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 won't accelerate faster than gravity.

I already received credit for the work, but I want to know the actual formula (if any)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Figure it out. What's the component of gravity acting down the incline?
 
I'm sorry, but I just don't 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:
 
Last edited:
This might help: http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/Phys/Class/vectors/u3l3e.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you!

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

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Trying to understand the logic behind adding vectors with an angle between them'

Thread 'Trying to understand the logic behind adding vectors with an angle between them'

My initial calculation was to subtract V1 from V2 to show that from the perspective of the second aircraft the first one is -300km/h. So i checked with ChatGPT and it said I cant just subtract them because I have an angle between them. So I dont understand the reasoning of it. Like why should a velocity be dependent on an angle? I was thinking about how it would look like if the planes where parallel to each other, and then how it look like if one is turning away and I dont see it. Since...
View full post »

Similar threads

Relation between Friction, Velocity, and Acceleration
Replies
16
Views
1K
Is there a relationship between acceleration and jump height
Replies
3
Views
1K
A child rolls a marble....Plot graphs etc.
Replies
4
Views
5K
Determining Acceleration g from Slope
Replies
1
Views
2K
Finding Gravitational Acceleration from a Slope
Replies
21
Views
12K
Relationship between mass of cart, mass on a pulley and resulting acceleration
Replies
3
Views
10K
What is the Relationship Between Acceleration and Time for a Skier on a Slope?
Replies
11
Views
6K
Accelerating system with hanging mass and friction lab
Replies
7
Views
6K
Identifying Freefall: Analyzing Graphs for Acceleration
Replies
4
Views
4K
Conceptual Question on acceleration and circular motion
Replies
6
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top