Calculating Acceleration on an Inclined Surface: Simplifying Factors and Methods

[Svensken]

Homework Statement

Hello!

I was thinking about designing an experiment in which i would investigate the angle of incline of a surface and the acceleration of a toy car moving down it. I will most likely be using a stopwatch. My question is:
How should i go about calculating the acceleration without having to account for air ressistance and friction etc - or do i have t do that? I want to keep it relatively simple.

Homework Equations

F=ma
delta V/ delta t = acceleration
Suvat equations?

The Attempt at a Solution

I was thinking about simply taking the time and the displacement (42cm)and using this.
Possibly suvat equations but i really don't know?

Thanks!

 

[rock.freak667]

At an angle θ, the weight, mg, has components mgsinθ and mgcosθ. If you are neglecting all friction (inc. the one due to the surface), then only one force acts parallel to the incline, which is mgsinθ. So the acceleration will be constant for an angle θ.

 

[Svensken]

Well thank you. However i cannot simply use a formula us such. I wish to derive it using for example, a stopwatch. Any ideas?

Thanks again

 

[rock.freak667]

Well thank you. However i cannot simply use a formula us such. I wish to derive it using for example, a stopwatch. Any ideas?

Thanks again

you could measure the distance down the incline and then time it from the top to the bottom. s=ut+1/2at² which will simplify to s=1/2at² and find 'a'.

 

[Svensken]

Thank you, i will do so!