NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics

Central Physics Lab

PAScar with Mass

 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Introduction
The PASCO Model ME-6950 PAScar with Mass The spring plunger of the PAScar has three cocking
performs high quality motion experiments through positions. Determine the one that gives you a range
its low-friction design. that fits your situation best, taking into account the
limitations of space. Most experiments require a
The PASCar with Mass has several excellent range of at least 2 meters or more.
features:
Practice launching the PAScar by placing the cart
• Extremely low friction ball-bearing design pro- on the floor with its cocked plunger against a wall
vides smooth motion. or a secured brick.
• Built-in spring plunger, activated by a conve-
nient trigger (button), with three positions of
launching amplitude enables the car to be
launched without using additional apparatus.
• Unique suspension system allows the wheels to
collapse inside the body of the car to prevent
damage to the internal components of the car
NOTES:
caused by being dropped or other misuse (such
as the car being used as a roller skate). 1. Before performing experiments with the
• Convenient holes located at the top of the end PAScar and Mass, calibrate to insure accu-
cap on each end of the PAScar facilitate the rate results from your experiments. We
use of string, springs, etc. suggest performing Experiment #2 before
Experiment #5 and #4 before #6.
• Hook and loop fasteners on the front of each
PAScar enable the user to perform inelastic 2. To insure that you do not give the cart an
collision experiments without using additional initial velocity, other than that supplied by
apparatus. the spring plunger, release the trigger by
tapping it with a rod or stick using a flat
• The mass of the PAScar is approximately
edge.
250g. The additional mass also has an approxi-
mate mass of 250g. 3. Rolling distance can be shortened by add-
NOTE: For best results, measure the mass of ing more mass to the car.
the car and mass bar with an accurate balance 4. For even less friction, use 1/4-inch plate
or scale. glass as surface for the car.

• Other features include a tray on top of the cart

for application of additional mass and the abil-
ity of the cars to be stacked.

While performing experiments, you may find that

you get better results by making the surface over
which the car rolls more uniform and clean. One
way to achieve this is by taping a long piece of
butcher paper to the surface on which the cart rolls.

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Equipment
The ME-6950 PAScar with Mass includes the Additional Equipment Required
following: • A spool of thread
• (2) PAScars, 1 red, 1 blue • Masses, such as the Slotted Mass Set (SE-8704)
• (2) 250 g mass • A pulley and clamp, such as the Super Pulley
• Instruction Manual/Experiments Guide with Clamp (ME-9448A) or the Super Pulley (ME-
9450) used with the Model ME-9376B Uni-
versal Table Clamp and Model SA-9242 Pulley
Mounting Rod
• Metric ruler, such as the Metric Measuring Tape
(SE-8712A).
• Stopwatch, such as the Digital Stopwatch (SE-
8702)
• Mass balance, such as the Triple-Beam Balance
(SE-8723)
• A friction block that can fit in the car's accessory
tray (such as PASCO's Friction Block, part num-
ber 003-04708)

Plunger bar
PAScar
release button
(250 g)

Accessory
tray

Plunger bar

Additional mass
(250 g)

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Experiment 1: Kinematics
(Average vs. Instantaneous Velocities)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– PAScar (ME-6950)
– Metric tape (SE-8712)
– Stopwatch (SE-8702)

Figure1.1

Purpose
In this lab, the PAScar will be used to investigate one dimensional accelerated motion.
The car will be launched over the floor using the built-in spring plunger. The car will
“decelerate” over the floor under the combined action of rolling friction and floor
slope. You will be able to establish whether or not the acceleration of the car is con-
stant. This will be done by initially assuming a constant acceleration and then by
examining the results to see if they are consistent with this assumption.

Theory
The car will be allowed to roll to a stop. The distance D covered and the total elapsed
time T from launch to stop will be measured and recorded. The average velocity over
this interval is given by:
D
vav =
(EQN-1):
T
If the acceleration of the car is constant as it rolls to a stop over the floor, then the
initial instantaneous velocity of the car at the final moment of launch is given by:

v0 = 2vav = 2D
(EQN-2): T
And the value of the acceleration would be given by:

a = v = 0 – v0 = – 2D
(EQN-3): t T T2
If the acceleration and vo are known, then the time t1 required to cover the distance d
to some intermediate point (i.e. short of the final stopping point!) can be calculated by
applying the quadratic formula to:

(EQN-4): d = v0t1 + 1/2at 12

Calculated values of t1 will be compared with directly measured values. The extent to
which the calculated values agree with the directly measured values is an indication of
the constancy of the acceleration of the car.
Note your theoretical values in Table 1.1.

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Procedure
1. Once you have roughly determined the range of the cart, clearly mark a distance d that is
about half way out from the start. Measure this distance and record it at the top of Table
1.1.
2. Using a stopwatch with a lap timer and metric tape, it is possible to determine t1, T and D
for each launch. Practice this step a few times before you start recording data.

NOTE: To eliminate reaction time errors, it is very important to have the person who
launches the cart also be the timer!
3. Launch the car and record the data described in the previous step for six trials. To cock
the spring plunger, push the plunger in, and then push the plunger slightly upward to
allow one of the notches on the plunger bar to “catch” on the edge of the small metal bar
at the top of the hole. (Don’t count the trials in which the timer feels that a distraction
interfered with the measurement.) Record your best trials in Table 1.1.
4. Using the equations described in the theory section and the data recorded in the table, do
the calculations needed to complete the table.

Data Analysis

d= cm

Table 1.1

Experiment Theory
Trial % Diff.
t1 (sec) T (sec) D (cm) vo (cm/s) a (cm/s2) t1 (sec)

Questions
1. Is there a systematic difference between the experimental and calculated values of t1? If
so, suggest possible factors that would account for this difference.
2. Can you think of a simple follow-up experiment that would allow you to determine how
much the cart’s “deceleration” was affected by floor slope?

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Experiment 2: Coefficient of Friction

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– PAScar (ME-6950)
– Metric tape (SE-8712)
– Stopwatch (SE-8702)

Purpose
In this lab, the PAScar will be launched over the floor using the on-board spring
launcher. The car will “decelerate” over the floor under the combined action of rolling
friction and the average floor slope. To determine both the coefficient of rolling
friction µr and  the small angle at which the floor is inclined, two separate experi-
ments must be done. (Recall that to determine the value of two unknowns, you must
have two equations.)

UPSLOPE DOWNSLOPE

Figure 2.1
Theory
The car will be launched several times in one direction, and then it will be launched several
times along the same course, but in the opposite direction. For example, if the first few runs
are toward the east, then the next few runs will be toward the west. See Figure 2.1. In the
direction which is slightly downslope, the acceleration of the car is given by:

(EQN-1): a1 = + gsin – µrg (since cos2 + sin2 =1)

And the acceleration in the direction that is slightly upslope will be:

(EQN-2): a2 = – gsin – µrg

Numerical values for these accelerations can be determined by measuring both the
distance d that the car rolls before stopping and the corresponding time t. Given these
values, the acceleration can be determined from:
(EQN-3): a= 2d
t2

Having obtained numerical values for a1 and a2, EQN-1 and EQN-2 can be simultaneously solved
for µr and .

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
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Procedure
1. Place the car in its starting position and then launch it. To cock the spring plunger,
push the plunger in, and then push the plunger slightly upward to allow one of the
notches on the plunger bar to “catch” on the edge of the small metal bar at the top of
the hole. Using a stopwatch and metric tape, determine the range d and the total time
spent rolling t. Record these in Table 2.1.
2. Repeat step 1six times for each direction and enter your results in Table 2.1.
3. Using EQN-3, compute the accelerations corresponding to your data and an average
acceleration for each of the two directions.
4. Using the results of step 3, determine µr and  by algebraically solving for the two
unknowns.

Table 2.1

First Direction Second Direction

Trial a ( cm ) Trial a ( cm )
d (cm) t (sec) d (cm) t (sec)
s2 s2

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

cm
Average Acceleration = __________ cm Average Acceleration = ___________
s2 s2

Data Analysis
Coefficient of rolling friction = Floor Angle =

Questions
1. Can you think of another way to determine the acceleration of the car? If you have
time, try it!
2. How large is the effect of floor slope compared to that of rolling friction?

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Experiment 3: Newton's Second Law

(Predicting Accelerations)
Bumper
EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Trigger
block
– PAScar (ME-6950)
– Pulley and pulley clamp (ME-9448)
– Mass set (SE-8704)
– Stopwatch (SE-8702)
– String
– Paper clips
Figure 3.1
– Block (to act as bumper)
– Balance (SE-8723 or equiv.)
Paper clips

Purpose
In this lab, a small mass m will be connected to the PAScar by a string as shown in Figure
3.1. The string will pass over a pulley at the table’s edge so that as the mass falls the car
will be accelerated over the table’s surface. As long as the string is not too elastic and
there is no slack in it, both the falling mass and the PAScar will have the same accelera-
tion. The resulting acceleration of this system will be experimentally determined and this
value will be compared to the acceleration predicted by Newton’s Second Law.

Theory
The car will be released from rest and allowed to accelerate over a distance d. Using a
stopwatch, you will determine how long it takes, on average, for the car to move through
the distance d. An experimental value for the car’s acceleration a can be determined
from:
d= 1 at2 which leads to: a = 2d2 (Experimental Value)
2 t

Assuming that the tabletop is truly horizontal (i.e. level), Newton’s Second Law ( F = ma)
predicts that the acceleration of this system will be:
Fnet or a=(
m
a = MTOTAL )g (Theoretical Value)
MTOTAL
Procedure
1. Set up the pulley, car, and a bumper of some sort to prevent the car from hitting the
pulley at the end of its run. Add the following masses to the bed of the car: 10 g, 50 g,
500 g and two 20-gram masses.
2. Carefully level the table until the car has no particular tendency to drift or accelerate in
either direction along its run.
3. Put a loop in one end of the string and place this loop over the spring-release trigger on
the PAScar. Drape the string over the pulley. Adjust the pulley so the string is level.
4. Adjust the length of the string so that the longest arrangement of masses that you intend
to use will not hit the floor before the car has reached the end of its run. Put a loop in this
end of the string.
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Central Physics Lab

NOTE: The car’s acceleration falls to zero when the falling mass hits the floor.
5. Hang enough paper clips onto the dangling loop in the string until the car will just
continue to move without apparent acceleration when barely nudged. This small added
mass will compensate for friction in the system and will be ignored in the following
calculations. The paper clips will remain attached to the loop throughout the experi-
ment!
6. Move a 10 gram mass from the bed of the car to the hanging loop and pull the car back
to a clearly marked starting point. Determine the distance d that the car will move from
the starting point to the bumper block and record this distance at the top of Table 3.1.

NOTE: The total mass of the system will remain constant throughout the experiment.
7. Practice releasing the car being careful not to give it any push or pull as you do so. The
best way to do this is to press your finger into the table in front of the car thereby
blocking its movement. Quickly pull your finger away in the direction that the car wants
to move. At the instant you pull your finger away, start your stopwatch. Stop your
stopwatch at the instant the car arrives at the bumper. To eliminate reaction time errors,
it is best that the person who releases the car also does the timing!
8. Determine the average time for the car to move through the distance d, having been
released from rest. Record the average of the four time trials in which you have the
most confidence in Table 3.1. Repeat for all of the masses given in the data table.
9. Excluding the pulley, determine the total mass of your system, MTotal (car, added
masses, string) and record at the top of Table 3.1. (It will be close to 1100 grams, but
you might want to check it on a balance.)
10. Fill in the table using your data and the equations given in the Theory section.

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Data Analysis
d= cm MTOTAL = grams
Table 3.1

Trial m (grams)
Average time aexp cm aTh cm % Diff.
(sec.) s2 s2

1 10

2 20

3 30

4 40

5 50

6 60

7 70

8 80

Questions
1. Can you think of any systematic errors that would effect your results? Explain how each
would skew your results.

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Notes:

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Experiment 4: Cart Calibration

(Measuring the Spring Constant)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– PAScar (ME-6950) – 250g mass
– Mass set (SE-8704) – Stopwatch (SE-8702)
– Pan for holding masses
– Balance (SE-8723 or equiv.)

Purpose
The PAScar has a spring plunger, which can be used for producing relatively elastic collisions
and providing a reproducible launch velocity.

Theory
For this and the following experiments, it will be necessary to find the spring constant k of the car’s
spring plunger. As compressional forces F are applied to the spring, the spring will compress a
distance x, which is measured with respect to its uncompressed equilibrium position. If F is plotted
versus x on graph paper, the spring constant is given by the slope of the graph as:
(EQN-1): k = F/x
Once k is known, it is possible to predict the launch velocity vo by using conservation of
energy, since the elastic potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic
energy at the time of launch. The launch velocity can be found from:
(EQN-2): 1 mv 2 = 1 kx 2
0 2 0
2
which leads to: k

(EQN-3): vo = x o  m

This predicted launch velocity can be experimentally checked by measuring the total rolling distance
d on a horizontal surface and the corresponding time t for given launch conditions. This leads to:
(EQN-4): vo = 2d
t
It is assumed that the acceleration of the car is constant, so that the initial velocity of the car at the
moment of launch is twice the average velocity of the car over its whole run.

Total added mass

1/2 total added mass
Spring plunger

Note the final

position of the end
Note the initial position of the plunger.
Pan for holding
of the plunger. masses

15 cm ruler attached
to car

1 2 3
Figure 4.1
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Procedure
1. Stand the PAScar on its end so that the spring plunger is aimed up, as shown in Figure
4.1. Using masking tape or rubber bands, fix a ruler to the car and adjust it so that the
0 cm mark on the ruler lines up with the upper surface of the plunger. Take care to
avoid parallax errors!
2. Carefully add enough mass to the top of the plunger so that it is nearly fully depressed.
Record this mass and the corresponding compression x (initial position) of the spring
in Table 4.1.
3. Remove approximately one quarter of the mass used in step 2. Record the new mass
and x values in Table 4.1.
4. Repeat step 3 until no mass remains on the plunger.
5. Plot a graph of F versus x using your data and determine the slope of the best line
through your data points. This slope is the spring constant for your car. Show your
slope calculations on the graph and record k below.
6. Determine the mass of the car using a mass balance and record this value below.
7. Using EQN-3 and your values for m, xo (i.e. the compression of the cocked spring)
and k, predict the launch velocity of your car and record this below.
8. Cock the spring plunger to the value of xo that you have chosen, then place the car in
its starting position and launch it. Using a stopwatch and a meter stick, determine the
average range d and the average total time spent rolling t. Record these below.

NOTE: To avoid reaction time errors, the person who launches the car should also
time the car’s motion.
9. Using EQN-4, determine the observed value of vo and compare it with the predicted
value.

Data and Analysis

Mass of car = kg

k= xo = m

Predicted value of launch velocity v o = m

s

Average d = m Average t = sec

Observed value of the launch velocity v o = m

s

% Difference between observed and expected values of vo =

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Table 4.1

Trial m (kg) F (= mg) x (meters)

(newtons)

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Central Physics Lab

Notes:

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Experiment 5: Rackets, Bats and "Sweet Spots"

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– PAScar (ME-6950) – Metric tape (SE-8712)
– Meter stick or a long rod

Purpose
When a batter or tennis player strikes a ball, a portion of the rotational kinetic energy of
the bat or racket is transferred to the ball. In a somewhat oversimplified picture, the
motion of the bat or racket can be thought of as a simple rotation about a pivot which is
located near its end and close to the batter’s wrists. The portion of the bat’s original
kinetic energy that is transferred to the ball depends on the distance y between the point
of impact and the pivot point. The position on the bat corresponding to the maximum
energy transfer is called a “sweet-spot." We will call this maximum energy sweet-spot
SS1.
Pivot point
NOTE: For simplicity, it is assumed
that the collisions are perfectly elastic.

Theory
As any batter can tell you, if you hit
the ball at a certain point on the bat,
there will be no shock, or impulse,
transferred to your hands! This “sweet-
spot” is generally located at a
different position than SS1 and is
called the “percussion point." We
will call this zero-impulse sweet-spot NOTE: Release the
SS2. For a given “bat” and pivot, the stick from the same
position each trial.
position of SS2 can be found from: Figure 5.1

ySS2 = I
(EQN-1): mycm

where I is the rotational inertia of the bat for the corresponding pivot, m is the total mass
of the bat, and ycm is the distance from the pivot to the center of mass of the bat. (e.g. If a
uniform rod of length L is pivoted about an end-point, SS2 is located at 0.67L from the
pivot.)
The positions of both SS1 and SS2 can be found theoretically, or by using the Sweet-Spot
computer program (see page 18 for details). The position of SS2 can be found experi-
mentally using the PASCO Force Sensor or, roughly, by actually hitting a ball at a variety
of positions on the bat and noting where the least shock to your wrists occurs. In this
experiment, a method for determining the location of SS1 is described.
Using a meter stick or rod as a bat (see Figure 5.1), the PAScar can play the role of a ball.
By observing how far the car rolls after impact, the relative, or even absolute energy
transfer can be determined for various values of y. In this manner, SS1 can be found.

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Central Physics Lab
If you have already done the experiment to determine the coefficient of rolling friction
for your cart for the same surface that you will be using in this experiment, you can
determine the kinetic energy of the car at the moment after impact since:
1 mv2 = µmgx
(EQN-2):
2

Procedure
1. Set up the system as shown in Figure 5.1. Position the car so that its plunger hangs over
the edge of the table several centimeters.

NOTE: You will need a long, horizontal table, or board for this experiment. A 3/4
inch by 1 foot by 8 foot plywood board is recommended.
2. Arrange to have a stop of some sort to insure that you always use the same pull-back
angle for the hanging meter-stick.
3. Pull the meter-stick or rod back to the pull-back angle that you have chosen and release
it, allowing it to strike the car plunger. Record the corresponding values of y and x in
Table 5.1.
4. Repeat step 3 four times for each value of y, changing it from roughly 10 to 90 cm in 10
cm increments.
5. Compute the average value of x for each value of y.
6. By interpolation, determine the location of SS1 from your data and record it below Table
5.1.
7. Using EQN-1, compute the location of SS2 and record it below Table 5.1.
8. If time permits, repeat the above after either repositioning the pivot (i.e. “choking up”) or
adding 100 grams or so at some point on the stick.

NOTE: This would add a little realism to the experiment since neither a bat nor a
tennis racket is uniform!

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Data and Analysis

Table 5.1

Average Optional
Trial y (cm) x (cm)
x (cm) µmgx (joules)

1 10

2 20

3 30

4 40

5 50

6 60

7 70

8 80

y-position of SS1 = cm & y-position of SS2 = cm

Questions
1. Is it possible to construct a “Super-bat” for which both SS1 and SS2 coincide? If so, what
changes would have to occur to the uniform rod to bring SS1 and SS2 closer together?
(You might use the Sweet-Spot computer program to help you answer this!)
2. What assumptions have we made in analyzing this system? How do they affect our results?

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“Sweet Spot” Computer Program

The following is a listing of the “Sweet Spot” computer program written by

Scott K. Perry of American River College, Sacramento, CA., using Quickbasic 4.5.

PRINT: PRINT
REM Program: SWEET SPOTS and PERCUSSION COLOR 14
POINTS (Fixed Pivot)
PRINT “Y-Impact (m)”; TAB(16); “Cart-Speed (m/
REM (Version: 15DEC91) s)”; TAB(35); “Omega (rad/sec)”; TAB(54); “Im-
CLS pulse at Pivot (Nsec)”
LOCATE 1, 1 COLOR 15
INPUT “What pullback angle will you be using for PRINT
this experiment (deg.)”; theta
FOR k = 1 TO 9
INPUT “What is the mass of your meter-stick ’bat’
(kg); Ms r = k / 10
a = Mc / 2 + (Mc  r) ^ 2 / (2  I)
g = 9.8: Mc = .5: L = 1: theta = theta / 57.3
b = –Mc  Wo  r
COLOR 15
c = –PE + (1 / 2)  I  Wo ^ 2
Begin:
v = (–b + SQR(b ^ 2 – 4  a  c)) / (2  a)
CLS
w = (I  Wo – Mc  r  v) / I
LOCATE 1, 1
DeltaP = Mc  v + Ms  w  L / 2 – Ms  Wo  L / 2
INPUT “How far from the center-of-mass is the
pivot located (m)”; S v = INT(1000  v + .5) / 1000

INPUT “How large is the load mass (kg)”; m w = INT(1000  w + .5) / 1000

IF m = 0 GOTO Skip DeltaP = INT(100  DeltaP + .5) / 100

INPUT “ How far is the load mass from the pivot PRINT TAB(5); r; TAB(20); v; TAB(39); w;
(m)”; y TAB(60); DeltaP
Skip: NEXT

I = (1 / 12)  Ms  L ^ 2 + Ms  S ^ 2 + m  y ^ 2 PRINT: PRINT

PE = (Ms  S + m  y)  (1 – COS(theta))  g INPUT “Would you like to input different values ”;
a$
Wo = SQR(2  PE / I)
IF a$ < > “N” and a$ < > “n” GOTO Begin
h = (1 + 2  (y / L)  (m / Ms))  (1 – COS(theta))  END
L/2

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Experiment 6: Sliding Friction and

Conservation of Energy
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– PAScar (ME-6950) – Stopwatch (SE-8702)
– Metric tape (SE-8712A) – Brick or block of wood
– Long board that can be used as a ramp – Friction block (003-04708)
– Protractor

Purpose
In this lab, the PASCar will be launched down a ramp, as
shown in Figure 6.1, while riding on a friction block. The
initial elastic potential energy and gravitational potential
energy of the car are converted to thermal energy as the car Friction block
slides to a stop. The thermal energy generated on the surfaces
is the same as the work done against sliding friction. 

Theory
Figure 6.1
Using the principle of conservation of energy, we can equate
the initial energy of the system with the final (i.e. thermal) energy of the system. This leads to:
1/2kx2 + mgDsin = µkmgDcos
(EQN-1): (elastic P.E.) + (Gravitational P.E.) = (work done against friction)
where k is the spring constant of the plunger (from Experiment 4), x is the distance that the
plunger is pushed in, m is the mass of the car plus the friction block, D is the distance that the
block slides after the car’s plunger is released,  is the angle of the ramp to the horizontal, and
µk is the coefficient of kinetic or “sliding” friction.
In this experiment, you will use the principle of the conservation of energy to predict D, given
certain measurements you will make and the value of k determined in Experiment 4. First you
will need to determine the coefficient of kinetic or “sliding” friction for the friction block.
Determining µk : If the angle of the ramp is high enough, the friction block will slide
down the ramp with uniform acceleration, due to a net force on the block. The net force
on the block is the difference between the component of the gravitational force (mgsinø)
that is parallel to the surface of the ramp and the friction force (-µ kmgcosø) that retards
the motion. The angle ø is the angle of the ramp when the block slides down the ramp
with uniform acceleration. The acceleration down the ramp is given by:
(EQN-2): a = mgsinø - µkmgcosø
The average acceleration down the ramp is given by:
(EQN-3): a = 2d/t2
where d is the total distance the block slides and t is the time required to slide through that
distance. If the acceleration is uniform, EQN-2 equals EQN-3. You can use the measured
values of the angle ø (the angle of uniform acceleration), the distance d, and the time t to
calculate the kinetic coefficient of friction µ
k
.

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Procedure
NOTE: To get consistent results in this experiment, you must insure that the ramp you will be
using is both straight and clean. Wipe the surface of the ramp and the friction block with a rag.
Determining coefficient of kinetic or “sliding” friction:
1. Place the car with the friction block on the ramp. Set up the ramp at a relatively low angle (one that
does not cause the friction block to begin sliding down the ramp by itself).
2. Increase the angle of the ramp until the block begins to slide down the ramp on its own, but only after
you “release” it by slapping the table (or tapping the ramp very lightly). Now increase the angle of the
ramp by a few more degrees, so that the block will slide down the ramp with a uniform acceleration
when you release it with a “slap” or tap. The angle of the ramp must be low enough so that the block
does not begin to slide on its own - only when you release it. Measure the angle of the ramp with the
protractor and record it as the angle of uniform acceleration (ø) in the data table.
3. Release the block from the grasp of static friction as
Block or
described in the previous step and measure the time brick
of the car’s descent down the ramp. Record this time
as t in data Table 6.1. Measure the distance d that the
block slides down the ramp and record this data in
Table 6.1. Repeat the measurements four times. Use
EQN-3 to compute the accelerations of the block and
enter the values in data Table 6.1. Determine the  (about 1/2 the
slip angle)
average value of acceleration and enter it below data
Table 6.1.
Figure 6.2
4. Use EQN-2 to calculate the coefficient of kinetic or
“sliding” friction. Enter it below the data table.
Prediction of D and Measurement of D:
5. Now slightly reduce the angle of the ramp until the block will just barely slide down the ramp with a
uniform speed when you release it with a slap or tap. Measure this “slip” angle. Reduce the angle of the
ramp to about one half of the “slip” angle. Measure this new angle and record its value in data Table
6.2 as . Secure a brick or block at the upper end of the ramp as shown in Figure 6.2.
6. It is time to make a prediction – Using EQN-1 and the information that you have recorded, predict D,
the distance that the car will slide down the ramp after being launched. Assume that the plunger on the
car is fully cocked at the position of maximum spring compression. Record your prediction at the top
of Table 6.2.
7. After double checking your work in the previous step, launch the car down the ramp by placing it on
the ramp with its cocked plunger against the secured brick. Then tap the spring-release trigger with a
rod or stick using a flat edge.

NOTE: This will help to insure that you do not give the car an initial velocity other than that
supplied by the spring plunger.
8. For six trials, measure the distance D that the car slides and record these in Table 6.2.

NOTE: Sometimes the car will twist a bit as it descends, so use the midpoint of the back edge of
your car as a reference point for measuring D.
9. Compare your results with your prediction. Compute the percent difference between these two values
and enter it below Table 6.2.
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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab
Data and Analysis

ø= Spring constant, k = (from Experiment 4)

Table 6.1

Trial t (sec) d (cm) a ( cm )

s2

average acceleration = cm coefficient of sliding friction =

s2

= Predicted value of D = cm

Table 6.2

Trial D (cm)

Average of measured value of D = cm Percent of difference = %

Questions
1. In analyzing this system, has the energy been fully accounted for? Discuss.
2. How do your results agree with your prediction? Discuss.
3. What if you launched the car up the same ramp? How far up would it go?

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NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Notes:

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 NUST - School of Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Central Physics Lab

Appendix
Replacing the Wheel-Axle Assemblies
1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screws and remove the bottom cover plate.

NOTE: The screws that connect the two halves of the PAScar are thread-forming screws and may
require substantial force to remove and reinstall. A #1 Phillips point screw driver is required.

Thread forming
screws

Bottom cover plate

Plunger release
spring Magnetic bumpers

Plunger spring
Trigger bar
Wheel/axle
Plunger bar assembly(includes
wheel bearings)

Velcro tabs Suspension springs

Figure 6.3: Components of the PAScar (Model ME-6950)

2. With the car on a stable support, gently lift the wheel assemblies from the plastic grooves.
NOTE: Be sure to keep the components, such as springs, plunger, nuts and magnets in
their proper orientation, as shown in Figure 6.3. Rearranging or moving these
items could change the operational capability of the PAScar.
3. Place the new wheel/axle assemblies over the suspension springs.
4. Place the bottom plastic cover over the wheel/axle assemblies, such that the vertical
grooves on the cover align over the axles. Align the bottom cover flush with the frame.
Replace the screws and tighten them until the cover fits snugly against the outside frame.

NOTE: When replacing the cover, be careful not to knock the

plunger release spring or plunger spring from its holding place.

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