A laboratory cart equipped with a velocity probe records the following data as it…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A laboratory cart equipped with a velocity probe records the following data as it accelerates along a straight track.
Time (s) | Velocity (m s⁻¹)
0.12 | 0.48
0.16 | 0.64
0.20 | 0.82
0.24 | 1.05
0.28 | 1.30
Using only these data, investigate the cart’s acceleration around t=0.20s.
(a) Calculate the cart’s average acceleration during the interval from 0.20 s to 0.24 s.
(b) Calculate the cart’s average acceleration during the interval from 0.16 s to 0.20 s.
(c) Combine your results from parts (a) and (b) to produce a single best estimate of the cart’s acceleration at 0.20 s. State the value and describe how you combined the two numbers.
(d) Identify and explain at least two experimental factors that could cause your estimate in part (c) to differ from the true acceleration at 0.20 s.