PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
A smooth trolley moves along a horizontal track. A sensor records its speed v and the corresponding kinetic energy K for five different trials, as listed below:
Speed v (m/s): 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
Kinetic energy K (J): 2.5, 10.0, 22.5, 40.0, 62.5
Answer the following questions based on these observations.
(i) Plot a graph of K on the vertical axis against v² on the horizontal axis, choosing convenient scales. Draw the best-fit straight line through the plotted points.
(ii) Using the slope of your graph, determine the mass of the trolley.
(iii) From the same graph, estimate the speed at which the trolley would possess 90 J of kinetic energy.
(iv) State any two experimental factors that could cause the graph not to pass exactly through the plotted points.