Vernier Dynamics System - Manual

Vernier Dynamics
System
(Order Code VDS)
The Vernier Dynamics System consists of a 1.2 m
track, two carts, and related accessories. The system
is designed for use in physics and physical science
courses for motion and energy experiments. An optional Optics Expansion Kit
(Order code OEK) converts the track to an optics bench. An optional Track to Track
Coupler (Order code T2T-VDS) joins two tracks together. Some typical experiments
done with the system include
 Motion under zero acceleration
 Motion under constant acceleration with the ramp inclined
 Inelastic collisions using the included hook and pile tabs
 Elastic collisions using the included magnetic bumpers
The Vernier Dynamics System is designed for use with many data-collection tools,
such as the Vernier Motion Detector, Go! Motion, Vernier Photogates, and the
Vernier LabPro ® interface. Appropriate software includes Logger Pro ® for
computers, LabQuest App for LabQuest ® 2 and LabQuest ® , DataMate and Vernier
EasyData ® for calculators, and DataQuest™ with TI-Nspire™ Technology.
What is included with the Vernier Dynamics System?
The Vernier Dynamics System is shipped in two boxes. The long box contains the
track and feet, while the other box contains the remaining parts.
Long box marked TRACK
Track
Double foot stand (2)
Box marked VDS-KIT
Standard Cart with two magnets and foam plugs for included end caps and
hook and pile tabs
Plunger Cart with two magnets and foam plugs for included end caps, hook
and pile tabs
Rod clamp
Adjustable end stop with two magnets and foam plugs for included end caps
Photogate brackets (two)
Motion Detector bracket
Mass
Accessory mounting hardware
Hex wrench
2
NOTE: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such
as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial
testing of any kind.
Carts
The Vernier Dynamics Carts are supplied with
magnets and hook and pile tabs. You may choose to
install either or both on your carts. Since the magnets
may interfere with certain experiments using force
sensors on the carts, only install the magnets if you
need them.
The magnets are useful in studying collisions with
the magnets positioned so that they are the same
polarity on both sides and on both carts. This way the carts will repel one another,
and you can arrange a collision in which the carts never actually touch. The collision
will be very nearly elastic, unlike a collision using a spring or any kind of contact.
To install magnets so that carts will repel one another, as well as the adjustable end
stop, use the following procedure.
1. Remove the teardrop from the cart end or the end stop.
2. Insert the silver magnet (supplied with the cart) into the teardrop, oriented so that
the outside of the teardrop will attract the south-pointing end of a compass
needle.
3. Insert a foam plug (supplied with the cart) into the teardrop.
4. Reinsert the tear drop into the cart end or the end stop, and fasten the screw.
If you like, test by holding the compass near the cart or stop, in the same position as
an approaching cart, and verify that the south-pointing end of the compass is
attracted to the cart.
Carts come with magnets, foam plugs, teardrop inserts, and a hex key to remove and
replace the screw holding the teardrop to the cart end. A magnetic compass is not
included.
The magnets can be removed at any time by reversing this process. Store the
magnets away from computers.
To study totally inelastic collisions, place hook and pile tabs on top of the
teardrop-shaped plugs. Looking at the end of the cart, place a hook pad on the
left-hand plug, and a pile tab on the right-hand side. Center the pad on the round part
of the plug. This way any cart with hook and pile tabs will stick to any other. Hook
and pile equipped carts will stick together, creating a totally inelastic collision.
One cart includes a spring-loaded plunger for collisions. To use the plunger,
simultaneously press the horizontal button above the plunger and press the plunger
in until it locks. To release, press on the pin from the top of the cart. The plunger
force can be adjusted. To adjust the plunger release force, rotate the plunger while it
is extended.