PASCO ME-9812 Roller Coaster - Manual (Page 20)

Model No. ME-9812 Roller Coaster
19 ®
16. Position, Velocity, Acceleration
Set up the track as shown in Configuration 16. Ask students to
predict the shape of the position, velocity, and acceleration versus
time graphs for the motion of the car as it travels down the straight
slope, then on the level, and then down another straight slope. Then
show students the motion of the car and make measurements using
photogates and a Smart Timer to check their predictions.
17. Circular Track
Make a circular track
(Configuration 17) with the car
side of the track on the outside of
the circle. Start the car from rest
at the top of the track and check
where the car leaves the track
and flies off. To determine
where the car leaves the track,
set up the photogate near where
the car appears to leave the track.
Adjust the position of the
photogate so the car flag just
barely does not block the photogate when the car is run along the
circular track by hand. Then let the car roll down the track and fly off.
If the car has left the track when it reaches the photogate, the car flag
will block the gate and a Smart Timer will record the car’s speed.
Conservation of energy will predict the angle at which the car should
leave the track.
Configuration 16: Position, Velocity, Acceleration
Configuration 17: Circular
Track