Investigating motion

• What is the first step in the method described for measuring speed and acceleration?

  Set up two light gates at a fixed distance from each other.
• Why is it important to ensure that the light beams of the light gates are aligned and unobstructed?


  To accurately record the speed at each light gate.
• What should be recorded after setting up the light gates?


  The distance between the two light gates.
• What is the purpose of attaching the interrupt card of known length to the top of the trolley?


  To measure the speed as it passes through the light gates.
• What should be done after placing the trolley at the top of the ramp?


  Release it so the interrupt card passes through both light gates.
• What data should be recorded during the experiment?

  The initial and final speeds measured.
• What is the next step after recording the speeds?


  Repeat the steps increasing the height of the ramp each time.
• How is acceleration calculated in this experiment?


  Using the formula $a =$$\frac{v^2 - u^2}{2s}$.
• What do the variables in the acceleration formula $a =$$\frac{v^2 - u^2}{2s}$ represent?


  $v$ is the final speed, $u$ is the initial speed, and $s$ is the distance.
• What are the variable of the investigation?

  1. Independent variable - The height of the ramp
  2. Dependent variable - acceleration of the trolley
  3. Control variables - The mass of the trolley, surface material of the ramp
• What is the equipment?

  1. Trolley
  2. Ramp with adjustable angle
  3. Meter ruler
  4. Light gates x2
  5. Interrupt card
• Why does the trolley accelerate downwards?

  Gravity