Acceleration AP physics lab 2019
Relevant equations from AP equation
sheet
Materials:
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Ramp
Hotwheel car or steel ball
Stopwatch
Slo-mo camera or carbon paper
Part 1: Horizontal Motion
Determine whether or not the motion of the object on the horizontal part of the track is constant or
accelerating
Prediction: make a prediction and record
Gather evidence: Starting at the top of the inclined ramp roll the object down the ramp. Make sure the
objects starts from “rest”. Collect data on the object as it rolls along the flat part of the track only.
Graph the data and use the graph to determine whether your prediction was correct
Part 2: Inclined Motion
Prove that the object is accelerating as it moves down the inclined part of the track.
Procedure: Brainstorm and develop a procedure. Record your procedure. Use logical numbered steps.
Gather evidence: Starting at the top of the inclined ramp roll the object down the ramp. Make sure the
objects starts from “rest”. Collect data on the object as it rolls along the inclined part of the track only.
Graph the data and use the graph to prove that the objects accelerates rather than moves at constant
speed. You must use graphs to justify your conclusion – do not use equations to calculate the
acceleration
Part 3: projectile motion
Predict the landing spot of the object on the floor (x displacement) after it rolls off the end of the
table
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Determine the velocity of the object at the end of the track
Determine the time it takes the ball to fall to the ground
Calculate the horizontal displacement “x”
Check your answer