Part A
As we moved towards finding the spring constant, there were several procedures involved. The tools used included a wheeled cart, string, hanging mass kits, and a pulley. The increments to be measured by were determined by dividing the maximum weight the spring could hold by ten. The placement of the cart while holding each weight was the recorded. |
Part B
In order to find the velocity of the cart after launch, we launched the cart from one position multiple times to get a definite answer. The cart was launched by compressing the spring through gates and securing then releasing with a pin. The cart would slide through a photo gate to record its velocity. |
Part A
Through experimentation, various positions were found by differing mass. The force was then found using the equation (F=mg) F=mg F=0.085kg(9.8m/s^2) F=0.833N |
Part B
By interpreting the graph, we found that the spring constant is 126.67N/m. This value can then be used to find the velocity of the cart after launch mathematically. EE=KE 1/2kx^2=1/2mv^2 kx^2=mv^2 (kx^2)/m=v^2 v=((kx^2)/m)^1/2 v=(((126.67N/m)(.045m)^2)/(.552kg))^1/2 v=.682m/s The velocity value found using the photgate was .685m/s which is extremely close. |