Kinematics, Forces, and Energy
Kinematics
There are many aspects to the carts kinematics, or motion, in the lab. One equation (xf=1/2at^2) can be used to figure out what the cart's final position (xf) by using the acceleration (a) and time (time).
Forces
Multiple forces act on the cart before, while, and after it travels down the ramp; we will only focus on the forces acting on the cart WHILE it travels down the ramp. Gravity is the main force, providing the cart's movement, even though the cart was not pushed. Gravity brought the cart down the incline of the ramp, since the bottom of the ramp is lower than the top, where the cart was initially placed. Friction has some effect on the cart as it travels. Though the cart accelerated as it traveled down the ramp, friction still gave the cart a limit as to how fast it could go.
There are many aspects to the carts kinematics, or motion, in the lab. One equation (xf=1/2at^2) can be used to figure out what the cart's final position (xf) by using the acceleration (a) and time (time).
Forces
Multiple forces act on the cart before, while, and after it travels down the ramp; we will only focus on the forces acting on the cart WHILE it travels down the ramp. Gravity is the main force, providing the cart's movement, even though the cart was not pushed. Gravity brought the cart down the incline of the ramp, since the bottom of the ramp is lower than the top, where the cart was initially placed. Friction has some effect on the cart as it travels. Though the cart accelerated as it traveled down the ramp, friction still gave the cart a limit as to how fast it could go.