PASCO ME-6955 1.2 m PAScar Dynamics System - Manual (Page 6)

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1 . 2 m P A S c a r D y n a m i c s S y s t e m A b o u t t h e E x p e r i m e n t s
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About the Experiments
These eight experiments can be done with the equipment included in the system and
other equipment such as springs, pulleys and mass sets. See each experiment for a
specific equipment list.
1. Conservation of Momentum in Explosions (page 7): Demonstrate conservation
of momentum when two carts push off from each other.
2. Conservation of Momentum in Collisions (page 9): Demonstrate conservation
of momentum in elastic and inelastic collisions.
3. Simple Harmonic Oscillator (page 11): Study how the period of oscillation of a
system varies with its mass.
4. Oscillations on an Incline (page 14): Study the oscillation of a cart attached to a
spring on an inclined track.
5. Springs in Series and Parallel (page 17): Examine how springs combined in
different ways affect the period of oscillation of a cart.
6. Launch Speed (page 19): Show qualitatively how the final speed of the plunger
cart depends on its mass and the initial compression of the plunger spring.
7. Newton’s Second Law (page 20): Show quantitatively how the acceleration of a
cart is related its mass and net force.
8. Acceleration Down an Incline (page 22): Determine the strength of earth’s
gravity (g) by measuring the acceleration of a cart on an inclined track.
Additional Experiment Suggestions (page 25): Many of these suggestions are varia-
tions on the above experiments. Some require additional carts.