PASCO ME-6962 PAStrack Systems - Manual (Page 7)

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P A S t r a c k S y s t e m s A b o u t t h e E x p e r i m e n t s
7
About the Experiments
These eight experiments can be done with the equipment included in the system and
other equipment commonly found in introductory physics labs. See each experiment
for a specific equipment list.
1. Conservation of Momentum in Explosions (page 8): Demonstrate conservation
of momentum when two carts push off from each other.
2. Conservation of Momentum in Collisions (page 10): Demonstrate conserva-
tion of momentum in elastic and inelastic collisions.
3. Simple Harmonic Oscillator (page 12): Study how the period of oscillation of a
system varies with its mass.
4. Oscillations on an Incline (page 15): Study the oscillation of a cart attached to a
spring on an inclined track.
5. Springs in Series and Parallel (page 18): Examine how springs combined in
different ways affect the period of oscillation of a cart.
6. Launch Speed (page 20): 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 21): Show quantitatively how the acceleration of a
cart is related its mass and net force.
8. Acceleration Down an Incline (page 23): Determine the strength of earth’s
gravity (g) by measuring the acceleration of a cart on an inclined track.
Additional Experiment Suggestions (page 26): Many of these suggestions are varia-
tions on the above experiments. Some require additional carts.