Linear Motion In One Dimension - Lab Report Example

PHY 231 Linear Motion in One Dimension Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to verify the equations describing linear motion in one dimension. AbstractThe motion of gliders on the air tracks was studied. Using air tracks made it possible to assume the absence of friction during motion. Motion sensors were used in monitoring the position of the glider with respect to time and the results recorded by use of the portable data loggers. After collection, the data was loaded to computers for purposes of analysis using DataStudio software.

BackgroundEvery object fall with a similar gravitational acceleration assuming there is no air resistance. An object thrown downward or upward and one released from rest falls freely after the release. All freely falling objects experience a downward acceleration. Using the symbol g to represent such special acceleration, the value increases with decreasing altitude. The value of g is around 9.8 m/sec2 at the earth’s surface. Because friction is neglected and the assumption is made that the free fall is not dependent on altitude over short distances, the motion of the freely falling objects is equal to the motion in a single dimension under constant acceleration thus making it possible to apply constant acceleration equations.

ProcedureFor the horizontal track the method followed wasMethod 1: The experiment was run repeatedly, but with Xpoler being started and stopped after every instance when the glider bounced and returned to the middle part of the track. Method 2: The experiment was done multiple times with the Xplorer used to record the values accordingly, though with the track inclined using 3 blocks. Method 3: The experiment was done multiple times with the Xplorer used to record the values accordingly, though with the track inclined using 3 blocks.

DiscussionThe recorded coefficient r values are both close to 1 indicating that the plotted points are closer to the experimental values. As per the recorded values, the increasing x values had a positive gradient whereas the decreasing x values had a negative gradient. Therefore, it is true that X increases at a constant rate with time, hence equation 1 is justifiedThe average value of V matches the gradient of the position graph. Equation 2 is valid because average acceleration from definition (Max) is given by the formulaea= (v-v0) /t If cross multiplied we will have v- v0=at and if v is made the subject of the formulaeThen v= v0+atThe velocity after the bounce was higher because of the impulsive force exerted on the glider at the track’s end.

Again, the recorded value of acceleration is reasonable because the velocity is reversed at the track’s end meaning there was a moment when no acceleration is acting on the glider. In the inclined track, the glider was observed to move under a constant acceleration before or after bouncing and this is in harmony with equation 1 which states distance has a direct proportion to the square of time. The slope of velocity against time line matched the previously calculated acceleration value. The slopes of the velocity time graphs in the inclined track with the six blocks also matched the earlier on calculated acceleration value.

ConclusionThe trend observed in the all the three cases validates the linear motion equations. An analysis of the drawn graph gives acceleration values that are consistent proving that constant acceleration equations can be used in describing linear motion in one dimensionWorks CitedMax. The Three Equations of Linear Motion. 11 December 2009. 5 February 2014 .