initial timing experiment

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Initial Timing Experiment

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In this experiment you will use the TIMER program, a hardcover book, a cylinder or some other object that will roll along the book in a relatively straight line, and a ruler or the equivalent (if you don't have one, note the RULERS link on the Assignments page).

Place the book on a flat level tabletop.  You will prop one end of the book up a little bit, so that when it is released the object will roll without your assistance, gradually speeding up, from the propped-up end to the lower end.  However don't prop the end up too much.  It should take at least two seconds for the ball to roll down the length of the book when it is released from rest.

Then reverse the direction of the book on the tabletop, rotating the book and its prop 180 degrees so that the ball will roll in exactly the opposite direction.  Repeat your measurements.

In the box below describe your setup, being as specific as possible about the book used (title, ISBN) and the object being used (e.g., a solid glass marble, a small can of tomato paste (full or empty?), a ball-point pen), and what you used to prop the object up (be as specific as possible).   Also describe how well the object rolled--did it roll smoothly, did it speed up and slow down, did it roll in a straight line or did its direction change somewhat?

Note:  Don't trust this form.  Compose your answer in Notepad or a word processor, saving it every few minutes, then copy and paste it into the box.  Power could surge, your computer could malfunction, in any of a number of ways the work you put into this form could be lost.  Compose it elsewhere and keep a copy.

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First I acquired all of the materials I needed and took the appropriate measurements. The book I used was our text book for the class entitled Physics by Giancoli Sixth Edition, The ISBN Number is 0-13-060620-0. The prop that I used was a pencil, it is a BIC Round Stic Mechanical Pencil the width measuring 8mm. My object was a new Titleist DT/SO golf ball measuring 1.595. The roll of my object would speed up and slow down throughout the roll, as it rolled the direction changed.

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In the box below report your data.  State exactly what was measured, how it was measured, how accurately you believe it was measured and of course what the measurements were.  Try to organize your report so the reader can easily scan your data and see any patterns that might occur.

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The first question ask us to use the timer program and measure the time it takes for our object to travel from rest to the other end of the ramp. These data was recorded three times for each direction of travel. First I timed my object from left to right and those numbers were 2.0, 2.14, and 1.98. I turned the object around and rolled the object down the same line of the book and timed my object traveling from right to left, the numbers were 2.10, 2.23, and 2.04. The next question was how far did the object actually travel and after placing my object at the top of my ramp the distance left for it to travel was 23.8cm. The next question was how much higher was one end of the book than the other and what is the distance from one end of the book to the other. The higher end of my book is 1.1cm and the total amount of distance from one end of the book cover to the other is 28.3cm.

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Using your data determine how fast the object was moving, on the average, as it rolled down the incline.  Estimate how accurately you believe you were able to determine the object's average speed, and give the best reasons you can for your estimate of the accuracy.

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Well the total distance traveled was 23.8cm and total average time was 2.08 so the object was traveling 11.44cm per second. I feel that this is a pretty accurate estimate because my individual times were not very different. I tried to start the timer at the same time I let my object go.

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Devise and concuct an experiment to determine whether or not the object is speeding up as it rolls down the incline.  If you have set the experiment up as indicated, it should seem pretty obvious that the object is in fact speeding up.  But figure out a way to use actual measurements to support your belief.

Explain how you designed and conducted your experiment, give your data and explain how your data support your conclusions.

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Well I devised a longer incline using the table top itself the overall measurement is 40cm and the average overall time is 16.88cm per second. I used the same object, and the same prop. I then took a second measurement at the halfway point of the table and got a significantly lower number of 12.55cm per second there for there is an increase in distance traveled of 4.33 cm per second.

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Your instructor is trying to gauge the typical time spent by students on these experiments.  Please answer the following question as accurately as you can, understanding that your answer will be used only for the stated purpose and has no bearing on your grades: 

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an hour and a half

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You may add optional comments and/or questions in the box below.

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&#Your work looks very good. Let me know if you have any questions. &#