Simple variable control question.

[metalmagik]

Hello, I am making a lab investigating friction of an object and I just need a "method" of controlling acceleration in the experiment so the object travels at a constant velocity. This is really the only way I can think of having the experiment work out correctly so I really need help with this. Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[berkeman]

How about a 60Hz motor spinning a threaded rod, with the nut attached to your object? The constant angular velocity of the motor will give you a constant linear velocity at the traveling nut. It's not a constant acceleration, but a constant force, which is opposed by a frictional force in your experiment, I would guess...

 

[metalmagik]

Thank you, greatly appreciated. This is due tomorrow you just helped me out a great deal. thanks