Experiment 3: predicting terminal velocity – PASCO ME-6828 Dynamics Cart Magnetic Damping User Manual
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E x p e r i m e n t 3 : P r e d i c ti n g T e r m i n a l Ve l o c i t y
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Experiment 3: Predicting Terminal Velocity
Introduction
In this experiment, you will study the motion of a magnetically damped cart. First,
you will discover the relationship between the velocity and acceleration as it comes to
a stop after being pushed on a level track. Using this relationship, you will predict the
cart’s terminal velocity on a inclined track. Finally, you will test your prediction.
Part I: Acceleration versus Velocity
Theory
The magnetic drag force,
f
m
, is proportional to (and in the opposite direction of)
velocity
v
(eq. 1)
where
b is a positive constant.
On a level track, assuming no other sources of friction,
f
m
is the only force (along the
axis of movement) acting on the cart. Therefore, by Newton’s second law
(eq. 2)
where
m is the mass of the cart and a is the acceleration. (Note that f
m
and
a are not
necessarily constant over time.)
The combination of equations 1 and 2 gives the relationship between
a and v
(eq. 3)
In a graph of
v versus a, the slope will equal
.
Equipment
Part Number
Dynamics Cart Magnetic Damping
ME-6828
Motion Sensor
PS-2103A
or similar
Cart
1
ME-6950, ME-9430,
or ME-9454
Aluminum Track
1
ME-6953
or similar
IDS Pivot Clamp
1
ME-9810
Large Table Clamp
ME-9472
90 cm Rod
ME-8738
or similar
Angle Indicator
2
ME-9495
1
These items are components of many PASCO dynamics systems.
2
Or other way to measure track angle
f
m
bv
–
=
f
m
ma
=
v
m
b
----- a
–
=
m b
⁄
–