PHYS 161 Lab 2

What does a basic kinematics experiment study?

• The forces causing motion of objects

• The motion of objects without considering the causes (forces)

• The energy changes during motion

• The chemical properties of moving objects

Why is it important to record velocity data before starting the actual experiment?

• To calibrate the sensor with the room temperature

• To determine the velocity error due to friction

• To ensure the cart reaches maximum speed

• To warm up the data acquisition software

Why is it important to measure the sine and cosine of the incline angle along with their errors in this experiment?

• To determine the temperature effect on motion

• To calculate gravitational acceleration only

• To predict forces acting on the cart and propagate measurement errors

• To ensure the cart rolls down in a straight line

What does the range switch on the PASCO Motion Sensor control during a basic kinematics experiment?

• It turns the sensor on and off.

• It changes the sensor's detection range between "person" and "cart" distances.

• It switches the sensor between velocity and acceleration modes.

• It adjusts the sensor's height.

What is the correct placement of the motion sensor in Part 1 of the experiment?

• At the bottom of the track facing the pulley

• At the side of the track facing the cart’s velcro side

• At the top of the inclined track, facing the cart’s magnetic side

• Underneath the track, facing upward toward the cart

When should you stop the data acquisition in the 1 part of the experiment?

• When the cart reaches maximum speed

• When the cart stops moving

• As soon as the cart is deflected from the track’s end

• After 10 seconds, regardless of motion

What is the purpose of plotting velocity vs. time data with error bars and a trendline?

• To see if the cart moved in a straight line

• To measure how noisy the ultrasonic signal is

• To determine the cart’s displacement

• To find acceleration through the slope and assess its error

Why is a slightly larger mass 𝑀 than the predicted balancing mass selected and attached to the cart with a string?

• To make the cart stop instantly

• To create tension that helps the cart move up the incline

• To ensure the gravitational force causes net acceleration and measurable motion

• To prevent the cart from bouncing off the track

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