Cart down a ramp, acceleration of 0.6m/s^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the acceleration of a cart rolling down a ramp, with participants questioning the observed values of acceleration (0.6 m/s², 0.2 m/s²) compared to the expected gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²). The context involves using a tickertape to measure average velocities and calculate acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the discrepancy between measured and expected acceleration, questioning the influence of the ramp's slope and the role of gravitational force. Some inquire about the direction of the cart's weight and its implications for acceleration.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the factors affecting acceleration, including the angle of the ramp and friction. Some participants suggest that the acceleration observed is due to the ramp's incline rather than free fall, while others seek clarification on the relationship between gravitational acceleration and the measured values.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of ramp slope and friction on acceleration, and there is an acknowledgment that acceleration down an inclined plane differs from free-fall conditions. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the measured values.

jnimagine
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We rolled down a cart down a ramp with a tickertape. When the average velocities were calulated and they were used to calculate acceleration. But we got acceleration of like 0.6, 0.2m/s^2 etc... shouldn't it be 9.8m/s^2..?! When i graphed the average velocity and the line of best fit was drawn and the slope calculated i got 6.5m/s^2. Why did i get an acceleration of such numbers like 0.6?? What are some explanations to account for this acceleration?
 
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jnimagine said:
We rolled down a cart down a ramp with a tickertape. When the average velocities were calulated and they were used to calculate acceleration. But we got acceleration of like 0.6, 0.2m/s^2 etc... shouldn't it be 9.8m/s^2..?! When i graphed the average velocity and the line of best fit was drawn and the slope calculated i got 6.5m/s^2. Why did i get an acceleration of such numbers like 0.6?? What are some explanations to account for this acceleration?
In which direction does the cart's weight act?
 
Hootenanny said:
In which direction does the cart's weight act?

um.. the cart's weight acts down??
 
jnimagine said:
um.. the cart's weight acts down??
Down the ramp or directly down towards the centre of the earth?
 
Hootenanny said:
Down the ramp or directly down towards the centre of the earth?

down toward the earth... so there are two directions involved in this motion??
so 9.8m/s^2 is the acceleration down towards the earth... then what would be 0.6m/s^2??
 
cart down a ramp accelerates at 0.6m/s^2?? not 9.8m/s^2?

We rolled down a cart down a ramp with a tickertape. When the average velocities were calulated and they were used to calculate acceleration. But we got acceleration of like 0.6, 0.2m/s^2 etc... shouldn't it be 9.8m/s^2..?! When i graphed the average velocity and the line of best fit was drawn and the slope calculated i got 6.5m/s^2. Why did i get an acceleration of such numbers like 0.6?? What are some explanations to account for this acceleration?
 
The acceleration depends on the slope of the ramp. 9.8 m/s^2 would only be expected if the ramp were vertical--the cart was in free fall. :wink:
 
This is easy enough to calculate by finding the component of the gravitational force that is applied along the slope of the ramp. It's simple trigonometry.
 
Doc Al said:
The acceleration depends on the slope of the ramp. 9.8 m/s^2 would only be expected if the ramp were vertical--the cart was in free fall. :wink:

then what is 0.6m/s^2?
 
  • #10
jnimagine said:
then what is 0.6m/s^2?
Re-read Doc Al's post.
 
  • #11
Acceleration is equal to gravity only if the object is in free-fall. If the object is rolling or sliding down an inclined plane, the acceleration is dependent on friction and the angle of the incline. Remember that acceleration down an inclined plane is independent of the mass. Hope this helps!
 

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