Name__________________________
Module 3: Forces and Motion
Date:________________
FORCES AND MOTION ON AN INCLINED PLANE
Part I: Accelerated Motion on Inclined Plane
Objectives: In this part of the motion, you will explore frictionless motion on an inclined plane. You will:
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Draw a force diagram and explain the forces responsible for motion of your car
Calculate the acceleration down the incline
Calculate the final velocity at the end of the inclined plane
Create a ramp and put your car on top of it. Let it go and observe the motion.
1. What kind of motion do you observe?
a. On the ramp ___________________________________
b. Behind the ramp__________________________________________
2. Draw a force diagram representing the forces acting on the car. Which forces are responsible for the
motion of the car? ________________________________________
3. Choose your coordinate system and write the second law for the net force in x and y directions
4. How would your car move if you increase the angle of the incline?____________________________
5. Chose an angle for your ramp and measure it. _____________________
6. Find the acceleration of your car if you assume that friction is negligible.
7. What will the velocity of your car be at the bottom of the ramp? Assume v0 = 0 m/s
8. Test the motion, record your data and calculate the velocity at the bottom of the ramp.
Ramp Length
Angle of the Incline
Acceleration
Velocity, V =
Name__________________________
Module 3: Forces and Motion
Date:________________
Part II: Horizontal Motion with Friction
Objectives: In this part of the motion, you will:
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Draw a force diagram and determine the forces responsible for the horizontal part of the motion
Measure the stopping distance and calculate the acceleration responsible for it.
Calculate the friction force and friction coefficient
Force Diagram
Part II
Procedure:
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Put your car at the top of the ramp than let go.
When the car stops, measure the distance traveled beyond the ramp. ____________________
Measure the mass of the car_____________________
Record your data in the table and use them to calculate:
o Acceleration for the horizontal part of the motion
o Friction force
o Friction coefficient
Solution:
1. Acceleration: a = ? Hint: use the stopping distance formula. The initial velocity for this part of the
motion will be the velocity at the bottom of the ramp, which you calculated in Part I
2. Calculate the net force using second law of Newton.
3. What is the friction force for this part of the motion?
4. Calculate the coefficient of friction
5. If you increase the incline of the ramp, how will it affect the stopping distance?