LAB #6: Work-Energy Theorem
Theory:
What can you tell about energy? What is kinetic energy? What is work? Write down
equations fro KE and W. Define work energy theorem.
Experiment:
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Measure the mass of the cart and mass of the mass hanger.
Calibrate the Force Sensor using 100gr mass (hanger +50 gr mass)
Attach mass hanger (m≈50±0.1 gr) to the cart. Release the mass.
Start recording just as the cart starts to accelerate.
Science Workshop will record the table of the cart’s velocity at each increment
and force vs. distance plot.
From the last five data points determine the average final velocity. The
σ
corresponding uncertainty will be statistical,
5
Calculate the change in kinetic energy of the cart with the uncertainty (vi=0 and
Ki=0, so ∆K=Kf)
Calculate the work done by the mass from the F vs. d plot by integrating
(computer will do integration; no uncertainty).
Compare the two values.