Different Methods for Physics Experiments?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying different experimental methods to determine initial velocities and speeds in various physics scenarios, including vertical and horizontal launches, constant motion, and circular motion. The scope includes conceptual understanding and practical experimentation in a classroom setting.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Participants suggest using a spring cannon to launch a projectile vertically and measure the time to determine initial velocity using kinematics.
  • For horizontal launches, one participant proposes dropping a ball from a ramp and timing its fall to calculate initial velocity with kinematics.
  • To measure the speed of a vehicle in constant motion, one participant suggests timing the distance traveled with a stopwatch, also applying kinematics.
  • For the minimum speed of an object spun in a vertical circle, a participant mentions using the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal force to find velocity.
  • To determine the maximum speed of an object on a turntable without slipping, another participant proposes measuring the radius and applying the same force relationship.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of their proposed methods and seek additional suggestions for experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the proposed methods but express a need for additional methods for each question. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the methods, as some participants remain uncertain about their viability.

Contextual Notes

Participants have learned various physics concepts, including kinematics, Newton's laws, and centripetal force, which they are expected to apply in their experiments. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness of the proposed methods or the completeness of the experimental designs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students seeking to design physics experiments related to motion, velocity, and forces, particularly in a classroom or educational context.

njuice8
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Hi, I'm new on this forum and don't really know how to use it, but I really need help

I need to figure our 2 different experiment methods to answer these questions:
-if an object is launched vertically, what was the initial velocity?
-if an object is launched horizontally, what was the initial velocity?
-what is the speed of a vehicle moving in constant motion? (already thought of the kinematics method, so I only need 1 other method)
-if an object is attached on a string and is being spun in a vertical circle, what is the minimum speed to keep it moving in a circle?
-if an object is on a turntable, what is the max speed without it slipping off?

I need to make 2 experiments (different methods) each in order to answer these questions. Please help! Thanks!
 
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njuice8 said:
Hi, I'm new on this forum and don't really know how to use it, but I really need help

I need to figure our 2 different experiment methods to answer these questions:
-if an object is launched vertically, what was the initial velocity?
-if an object is launched horizontally, what was the initial velocity?
-what is the speed of a vehicle moving in constant motion? (already thought of the kinematics method, so I only need 1 other method)
-if an object is attached on a string and is being spun in a vertical circle, what is the minimum speed to keep it moving in a circle?
-if an object is on a turntable, what is the max speed without it slipping off?

I need to make 2 experiments (different methods) each in order to answer these questions. Please help! Thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

What are the various "experimental methods" that you can choose from?

Please tell us your best answers for each experiment, and we can offer tutorial hints. When you show no effort, we cannot help you (that's in the PF Rules link at the top of the page).
 
Hi, sorry I should have listed my ideas
We have learned kinematics, Newton's laws, work, centripetal force, friction in class
(These are the methods we are allowed to use)

My ideas so far (i'm not sure if they will work though):
-if an object is launched vertically, what was the initial velocity?
shooting a projectile from a spring cannon vertically, and measuring the time it takes to reach the ground. Use kinematics to determine initial velocity

-if an object is launched horizontally, what was the initial velocity?
Place a ramp at the end of the table with a clamp, measure the height of a table, drop a ball from the ramp and record the time it takes to reach the floor. Use kinematics.

-what is the speed of a vehicle moving in constant motion? (already thought of the kinematics method, so I only need 1 other method)
measure distance traveled, use a stopwatch to time the amount of seconds it takes toreach the end point. use kinematics to determine velocity.

-if an object is attached on a string and is being spun in a vertical circle, what is the minimum speed to keep it moving in a circle?
measure the radius, and use Fg=Fc to determine velocity

-if an object is on a turntable, what is the max speed without it slipping off?
measure radius, use Fc=Fg to determine velocity

Materials allowed to be used:
meter stick, ruler, balls, block of wood with hook, clamps, constant motion vehicle, curved ramp, spring cannon, balance, tape, weights, pulley, force sensor, motion sensor, photogates, plumb line, protractor, ring stand, item attached to string, spring scale, turntable
 
njuice8 said:
Hi, sorry I should have listed my ideas
We have learned kinematics, Newton's laws, work, centripetal force, friction in class
(These are the methods we are allowed to use)

My ideas so far (i'm not sure if they will work though):
-if an object is launched vertically, what was the initial velocity?
shooting a projectile from a spring cannon vertically, and measuring the time it takes to reach the ground. Use kinematics to determine initial velocity

-if an object is launched horizontally, what was the initial velocity?
Place a ramp at the end of the table with a clamp, measure the height of a table, drop a ball from the ramp and record the time it takes to reach the floor. Use kinematics.

-what is the speed of a vehicle moving in constant motion? (already thought of the kinematics method, so I only need 1 other method)
measure distance traveled, use a stopwatch to time the amount of seconds it takes toreach the end point. use kinematics to determine velocity.

-if an object is attached on a string and is being spun in a vertical circle, what is the minimum speed to keep it moving in a circle?
measure the radius, and use Fg=Fc to determine velocity

-if an object is on a turntable, what is the max speed without it slipping off?
measure radius, use Fc=Fg to determine velocity

Materials allowed to be used:
meter stick, ruler, balls, block of wood with hook, clamps, constant motion vehicle, curved ramp, spring cannon, balance, tape, weights, pulley, force sensor, motion sensor, photogates, plumb line, protractor, ring stand, item attached to string, spring scale, turntable

Your answers sound fine to me. Do you need more experiments?
 
Yes, I need two methods for each question.
I would be grateful if you would be able to help!
 
njuice8 said:
Yes, I need two methods for each question.
I would be grateful if you would be able to help!

What are your thoughts? You are doing great so far!
 

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