Investigating Force and Motion

 

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Abstract

Theoretical Backdrop

Experimental Design

Apparatus

Method

Experimental Data

Graphed Results

Interpretation

Conclusion

Key Learnings

Acknowledgements

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Method

Experiment Preparation

  1. Cut 3 pieces of string of lengths: 30cm, 25cm and 20cm respectively. Make a small loop in front of the car with a string and stick the ends with glue. Tie the string to the front of the car.
  2. Draw a table with 4 columns and 7 rows to record the Length of String, Radius of Circle in which car moves and the Angle of Natural Motion by car in straight line. Label this as Table 1 - Natural Motion.
  3. Draw a table with 4 columns and 6 rows to record Force Applied and Type of Surface of Track. Label this as Table 2a - Force of Friction
  4. Draw a table with 4 columns and 6 rows to record Force Applied, Type of Surface of Track, Angle of Incline and Stopping Distance for the car. Label this as Table 2b - Force of Friction.
  5. Draw a table with 2 columns and 6 rows to record the Type of Surface of Track and the Stopping Distance for the car. Label this as Table 3a - Action & Reaction.
  6. Draw a table with 3 columns and 6 rows to record the Type of Surface of Track, Angle of Incline and the Stopping Distance for the car. Label this as Table 3b - Action & Reaction.

Determining ‘Natural Motion’ by VARYING THE ‘NET FORCE’

  1. Place the toy car on the hardwood floor. Attach a 30cm long string to the front of the car.
  2. Tie the other end of the string to a can of coke. Hold the can in place to prevent it from toppling.
  3. Set the battery-powered car in motion and follow the path of the car. Mark it in chalk on the floor.
  4. As the car returns to the starting point, quickly cut the string near the can.
  5. Mark the path of the car once again using chalk of a different colour.

    Source: http://www.physicsclassroom.com

  6. Record the following in Table 1:
    • Length of string
    • Radius of the circle in which the car moved<

  7. Using the same hardwood floor repeat steps 1 to 5 with different lengths of string and record the data in Table 1.

Determining ‘Natural Motion’ by VARYING THE SURFACE

  1. Place the toy car on sandpaper of grade 100. Attach a 30-cm long string to the front of the car.
  2. Place a can of coke in the centre and tie the other end of the string to it.
  3. Follow the path of the car and mark it in chalk on the sandpaper.
  4. As the car returns to the starting point, quickly cut the string near the can.
  5. Mark the path of the car once again using chalk of a different colour.
  6. Record the following in Table 1:
    • Type of Surface
    • Length of string
    • Radius of the circle in which the car moved

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