PASCO ME-6569 RMS_IDS KIT - Manual (Page 18)

RMS/IDS Kit 012–06408A
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• To set up the y-axis plot for Total Kinetic Energy, click on the Plot Input Menu button
in the fourth y-axis plot and select calculations and the name for the kinetic energy
calculation from the pop-up menu.
Collect the Data
1. Place the carts as indicated in Figure 3.1.
2. Start recording data.
3. Gently push cart 1 and release it, allowing it to glide to cart 2.
➤ Note: The force of the push should be sufficient to propel both carts
after the collision, but not hard enough to make the carts vibrate or jump
the track. A smooth motion will produce the best results.
4. Stop recording data.
➤ Note: The data can be smoothed, if desired, by using the smooth
function in the Experiment Calculator. To smooth data, modify your
equation in the Experiment Calculator by selecting >Special>smooth
(n,x)
. Set n = 8 at first. If you do not get the desired smoothing result,
experiment with different values of n.
Analyze the Data
1. Click the Autoscale Tool on the Graph display.
2. Print the graph or make a sketch of it, and indicate the point at which the carts collided.
3. Explain what is happening in each of the panels before and after the collision.
4. Use the Smart Cursor to measure:
1) the velocity of cart 1 just before the collision.
2) the velocity of the carts just after the collision
3) momentum before and after the collision
4) kinetic energy before and after the collision
Record in Table 3.1.
5. Complete Tables 3.1 and 3.2.