Procedure for an Inclined Plane Lab

In summary, the procedure for finding the angle that the board must be to make the scenario possible involves drawing a free body diagram, measuring the weight and length of the car and board, finding the coefficient of kinetic friction for the board, setting the board to a random acute angle, timing the car's descent, solving for the acceleration and net force of the car, and using these values to find the coefficient of kinetic friction for the floor. Then, the distance traveled by the car on the floor at the given angle can be calculated using the final velocity of the car on the board and the initial velocity on the floor. This distance can then be used to determine the angle at which the car will travel six metres. The steps are meant to be
  • #1
Connie Lewis
2
0

Homework Statement


Question: A car goes down a ramp, and once it hits the floor it must travel 6 metres and then stop. Create the procedure in order to find the angle that the board must be to make this scenerio possible. You cannot test on both the floor and the board at the same time.
Given/Known Data: The car weighs 1.32 kg; the board is 0.93 m long; the car must travel 6 m on the floor.

Homework Equations


d=(Vf)(t)-(0.5)(a)(t^2)
d=(Vi)(t)+(0.5)(a)(t^2)
Fnet = (m)(a)
Ff=(μk)(m)(g)
a=(Vf-Vi)/t
Vf^2=Vi^2 + 2(a)(d)

The Attempt at a Solution



Procedure
  1. Draw a free body diagram.
  2. Weigh car using scale. Record results.
  3. Measure the board to its halfway point using the metre stick. Record results.
  4. Find μk of the board.
    1. Use a random acute angle, 40 degrees, to solve for μk.
    2. Set the board to the angle of 40 degrees using the protractor.
    3. Time the car’s descent from the halfway point to the end of the board. Record results.
    4. Find the acceleration using the variables given and found. Record results.
    5. Use the acceleration to solve for the net force of the car. Record results.
    6. Use the net force of the car to solve for the μk of the board. Record results.
  5. Find μk of the floor.
    1. Use the spring scale to measure out the applied force for a certain time and distance. Record results.
    2. Find the acceleration using the variables given and found. Record results.
    3. Use the acceleration to determine the net force of the car. Record results.
    4. Use the net force to solve for the force of friction. Record results.
    5. Use the force of friction to solve for the μk of the floor. Record results.
  6. Find the distance traveled by the car on the floor at 40 degrees.
    1. Use results from steps four and five in order to find the final velocity of the car on the board. Record results.
    2. Use the initial velocity of the floor--the final velocity of the board--and the results in step five to determine the distance the car travels on the floor. Record results.
  7. Use the calculated distance to solve for the angle at which the car will travel six metres.
    1. Use a ratio in order to solve. Record results.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
I think you're over-thinking this. All they're asking for is the angle of the ramp that will make the car go 6 ft. You don't need to measure friction, forces, and so on, just the angle and the distance the car goes.
 
  • #3
tms said:
I think you're over-thinking this. All they're asking for is the angle of the ramp that will make the car go 6 ft. You don't need to measure friction, forces, and so on, just the angle and the distance the car goes.
Sorry, I forgot to add that you cannot test the car on both the floor and the board at the same time.
 
  • #4
I think you are suppose to write out the steps that you intend following when you are experimenting in the lab
and not so try and solve it theoretically. That is how you intend going about the experiment in the lab once
you get there. This is to save time and to get you thinking about what is going to happen or what you
expect is going to happen and how you can solve the problem best experimentally. Maybe a plot of
collected data would help? The problem is then also to decide what data to plot. The statement "you
cannot test..." is a bit confusing. Does it mean that you may only adjust the angle and not do an
experiment with the car just rolling along the floor?
 

1. What is the purpose of an inclined plane lab?

The purpose of an inclined plane lab is to observe and measure the effects of an inclined plane on the motion of an object. This lab can help determine the relationship between the angle of the incline and the force required to move the object.

2. What materials are needed for an inclined plane lab?

The materials needed for an inclined plane lab typically include an inclined plane, a cart or object to be moved, a ruler or measuring tape, and weights or a force meter. Other materials may be needed depending on the specific objectives of the lab.

3. How do you set up an inclined plane lab?

To set up an inclined plane lab, place the inclined plane at a desired angle and secure it in place. Place the cart or object at the top of the inclined plane and measure the distance it travels as it moves down the incline. You may also need to add weights or use a force meter to measure the force required to move the object.

4. What measurements should be recorded during an inclined plane lab?

During an inclined plane lab, it is important to record the angle of the incline, the distance the object travels, and the force required to move the object. These measurements will help determine the relationship between the angle of the incline and the force required to move the object.

5. What are the potential sources of error in an inclined plane lab?

Potential sources of error in an inclined plane lab include friction between the object and the incline, air resistance, and human error in measuring the angle, distance, or force. It is important to carefully control and account for these sources of error in order to obtain accurate results.

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