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Materials

- wood blocks 
- tape measure 
- diffrent types

of marbles

- timer

- inclined plane
- a helper

​

Optional:

- computer

- probe/sensor

Note: any type of small ball will do and any type measuring device. You can also use a sensor which will automatically do all calculations for you

​Definition

Inclined plane: 

One of the simple machines, a plane surface inclined to the horizon, or forming with a horizontal plane any angle but a right angle. Also known as a ramp (pictured right).

Procedure

  • Set up your inclined plane on a single block, so that it has a low slope. If the slope is too high, the marble will roll too fast, and it will be too hard to make accurate measurements.
  • Hold a marble in place at the starting line.
  • Use a timer to keep measure 2 seconds
  • Measure and record the distance (cm) from the starting line.
  • Repeat this 3 times.
  • Next your helper will mark where the marble is at the fourth second.
  • Measure and record the distance (cm) from the starting line.
  • Repeat this 3 times
  • Keep repeating the process for every 2 seconds until the ball has reached the end of the ramp
  • Calculate the average and standard deviation for the distance the marble has travelled at the end of each 2 seconds (see Calculations page).
  • Graph the average distance travelled (y-axis) vs. time, in terms of seconds (x-axis) (see Calculations page).
  • Graph the average distance travelled (y-axis) vs. time squared (see Calculations page). 
  • Compare the two graphs.
  • Repeat for all of the marbles that you have and compare the differences in both the distance vs time and the distance vs acceleration 

 

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