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 Physics Section A : Speed and Acceleration

Part 2: Practical Work

Aim : To find the average speed of a ‘car’ on a ramp.

Apparatus : ramp, ‘car’, stopwatch, metre ruler

Method

  1. Measure the distance d between A and B, which are the start and stop points on the ramp (make d about one metre).
     

  2. When the front wheels of the ‘car’ are on mark A, let the car go (DO NOT PUSH IT)
     

  3. Start timing and then stop the stopwatch when the front wheels pass mark B.
     

  4. Repeat this procedure at least twice more to find the average time taken to move distance d.
     

  5. Calculate the average speed for this distance:

Results


 

 

 

Change the height of the ramp above the table.

Keeping the distance d the same, repeat the above procedure.

Results



 

 

Is this average speed the same as before?

Explain you answer.



 

 

Is the average speed, the same as the constant speed of the car? Explain your answer.