Investigation Impact of Angle Variation on Object

Acceleration on an Inclined Plane

Year 11- Depth Study

Hogwarts HS

Alpha Sigma From Ohio

Outcomes to be assessed:
PH 12-1 develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
PH 12-7 communicates scientific understanding using suitable language and terminology
for a specific audience or purpose
Planning investigations PH11/12-2 designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain
primary and secondary data and information
Analyzing data and information PH11/12-5 analyses and evaluates primary and secondary
data and information
PH12-12 describes and analyses qualitatively and quantitatively circular motion and
motion in a gravitational field, in particular, the projectile motion of particles
Background Information:

The displacement of an object is a vector quantity which gives the absolute distance and direction of an
object, relative to a certain origin or starting point (Hall, 2021).
- Mathematically, the displacement of the object is defined as:

Velocity is also a vector quantity which is defined as the change in displacement of an object over the
change in time. This can be more simply be defined as the amount of displacement an object undergoes
over a period of time (Hall, 2021).

- Algebraically, average velocity can be represented as:

Following on, acceleration is defined as the change in velocity

over change in time, hence giving:

Since, the acceleration can now be represented as the change in velocity over time, values can be
manipulated to make V(final) the subject.
(𝑉𝑓−𝑉𝑖)
𝑎= 𝑡
→ (1)
⇒ 𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑖 + 𝑎𝑡

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Experimental Value Derivations
The SUVAT equations are a set of kinematic equations formed from the assumption of constant
acceleration. It analyzes the motion of objects through displacement, velocity, acceleration and time.
1 2
For the derivation of the SUVAT equation used in this experiment, 𝑆 = 𝑢𝑡 + 2
𝑎𝑡 :

- Using (1), 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑉𝑖 𝑏𝑒 𝑢

2
Hence, 𝑉𝑓 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑢 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑚/𝑠), 𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑚/𝑠 ), 𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑠)

1 2
By integrating 𝑉𝑓 with respect to time (t): ∫ 𝑉𝑓𝑑𝑡 = 𝑢𝑡 + 2
𝑎𝑡
Since, integrating 𝑉𝑓 gives displacement (area under the curve of a velocity graph is equal to its
displacement),

Therefore, ∫ 𝑉𝑓= S

1 2
Hence, 𝑆 = 𝑢𝑡 + 2
𝑎𝑡 →(2)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Theoretical Value Derivations
Figure 2: Force analysis of a cart on an inclined plane

Theoretical values were calculated using

free body diagrams in conjunction with
vector components and using Newton’s
2nd law (inertial law) F=ma, where m is
mass (g), a is acceleration (m/s^2)
(Smarter UK, 2021). On an inclined
plane when an object is released without
any external force acting on it,
gravitational forces act on the cart, which
causes the cart to move down the incline,
parallel to the direction of the incline.

Free body diagrams can be used to interpret vector quantities. These diagrams make it easier to discern
the dynamics of a body experiencing motion. Weight force acts towards the ground due to gravity (Wood
C. 2019). Since the diagram visualizes the vector quantities of these forces, the weight force can therefore
be separated into its parallel and perpendicular forces which will be useful in this experiment to find the
acceleration of the object.

Figure 3: Derivation of perpendicular and parallel forces brought upon by gravitational forces on an
inclined plane

Hence, through vector components, the

parallel component is the acceleration
of the object. More commonly, this is
given as:
Since, Fnet= ma
Therefore, 𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛θ = 𝑚𝑎
⇒ 𝑚𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛θ = 𝑚𝑎
(Cancel the m values)⇒
Therefore, 𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛θ = 𝑎
Hence, 𝑎 = 𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛θ
This formula will be used for finding the theoretical values of this experiment.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Aim: To determine the relationship between angle of inclination and acceleration of an object on an
inclined plane.

Hypothesis: If angle of inclination is increased, then the acceleration of the object on the inclined
plane will increase linearly.

Table 1: Analysis of Variables in Terms of Type, Example and Application

Type of Variables Variables Description

Controlled ➔ Mass of the cart Mass of the cart, surface of

➔ Surface of inclined inclined plane, length of
plane inclined plane and starting
➔ Length of inclined point of the cart will be kept
plane constant throughout the entirety
➔ Starting point of the of the experiment in order to
cart ensure validity. This will be
important to ensure that the
only variable changed is the
independent variable (i.e.angle
of incline), and demonstrate a
direct relationship to the
dependent variable (i.e.
acceleration)

Independent variable Angle of inclination The Angle of inclination of the

(θ − 𝐷𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠) inclined plane was changed and
calculated through the use of a
protractor.

Dependent variable 2 Using a Slow motion camera,

Acceleration (𝑚/𝑠 ) acceleration can be measured
accurately using SUVAT
equations.

Risk Assessment

Table 2: Risk Assessment for Experiment

Hazard Risk Mitigation
 Cart Slipping on the cart and Safe handling procedures:
subsequent collision with floor
can cause the following on the Take caution when handling
injury site: and placing the cart down (aim
- Bruising to position the apparatus well
- Swelling away from blind sights or areas
- Pain with little visibility to prevent it
from causing slipping accidents
whilst during and setting up the
experiment.

Wooden Plank and Wall Having hand pinched or Wear protective gloves in case
Junction crushed between the cart and of pinching between plank and
the inclined plane can cause: wall
- Bruising
- Swelling Proceed with caution when
- Pain handling both cart and plank of
wood.

Wooden Plank Splinters from contact on the Use of gloves

wooden plank can cause
- Swelling Caution should be taken
- Redness
- Pain

Equipment:
Plank of Wood x1
Cart x1
Camera with slow motion feature x1
Protractor x1
Textbook x1
Chair x1

Method:
1. Construct an inclined plane by placing a plank of wood against a wall and positioning the textbook on
the edge of the plank with the chair placed behind it.
2. Measure angle of incline to 7.5° using protractor
3. Place cart onto the the peak of the incline
4. Position camera to take entire plane into view and set to slow motion mode
5. Start recording using camera, release the cart on the incline plane
6. Once cart has reached end of the inclined plane, stop camera recording
7. Watch and record the values of time for the cart to go from release to the end of the incline
8. Reset incline plane, placing cart back onto the peak of the inclined plane and repeat steps 1-5 for
remaining 4 trials
9. Repeat steps 2-8 for angles of 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 37.5°, 45°, between the

Figure 4: Diagram of Experiment

Results:

Table of relationship between angle of incline and its effects on Acceleration

Table 2: Tabulated Data of the Experiment

Angle (degrees) Trials Time (s) (2d.p) Acceleration Average
(m/s^2) ( acceleration (Sum
of values/number
of trials) (m/s^2)

7.5 1 1.02 1.806997309 1.8993261812

2 1.01 1.842758559

3 1.02 1.806254844

4 0.98 1.957517701

5 0.95 2.083102493

15 1 0.91 2.270257215 2.637717516

2 0.83 2.728988242

3 0.83 2.728988242

4 0.82 2.795954789
 5 0.84 2.664399093

22.5 1 0.72 3.62654321 4.033523172

2 0.68 4.065743945

3 0.69 3.948750263

4 0.70 3.836734694

5 0.64 4.58984375

30 1 0.43 10.16765819 10.81602136

2 0.44 9.710743802

3 0.41 11.18381916

4 0.42 10.65759637

5 0.39 12.36028928

37.5 1 0.53 6.692773229 11.49622788

2 0.36 14.50617284

3 0.35 15.34693878

4 0.43 10.16765819

5 0.42 10.76759637

45 1 0.32 18.359375 17.11844182

2 0.34 16.26297578

3 0.32 18.359375

4 0.33 17.26354454

5 0.35 15.34693878
Figure 5: Graph of experimental results

Analysis:
From analyzing the experimental values to the theoretical values in the appendix, it is discernible that both
sets highlight that as the angle of incline is increased, the acceleration of the cart as it moves down the
slope due to gravity also increases. Figure 5 illustrates that the relationship starts to slowly flatten and then
increase again. These inflection points for example, from point (30, 10.81…) to point (45, 17.11…)
highlight that there may be another curve of best fit that may suit the relationship more strongly. In table
2, it can further be noted that angles going from 15 degrees and above start significantly deviating from
theoretical results. This is likely due to the small angle in a sine wave which generates a linear graph
which will be discussed further in the discussion. Examples of this occurrence can be seen through the
steep jump values obtained when transitioning from 22.5 degrees to 30 degrees. These experimental
values also progressively start to significantly deviate from theoretical values and then return back to a
closer value. This is likely due to the relationship’s sinusoidal nature.

Discussion:
The raw data collected from the experiment was processed using the calculations in the background
information and derivations in order to calculate values of acceleration of the cart for each angle, as per
table 2. An average of these acceleration values were then calculated and plotted on a graph against angle
of inclination; this was done to visualize the relationship between angle of inclination and acceleration of
the cart, as per figure 5. Subsequently, a line of best fit was constructed using the aforementioned data
points.

As per the line of best fit in figure 5, the data shows a linear relationship between the angle of inclination,
and the acceleration of the cart. There were no significant outliers in the experimental results graph of
average acceleration and angle of inclination. When compared to the theoretical relationship graph
derived from force analysis, the experimental graph appears to follow a similar trend from small angles
(0-10°), but from 10° onward, the experimental graph begins to deviate from the theoretical graph. The
reasoning behind this will be outlined in the validity section below.

Accuracy
Accuracy is the extent to which the experimentally obtained result aligns with the theoretically expected
result. Accuracy is predominantly affected by systematic errors. Graphically, systematic errors will cause
the line of best fit to shift upward or downward.

The experiment is inaccurate. Graphically, this can be seen through the extrapolation of the graph leftward
failing to pass through the origin, which indicates a downward shift of the graph and hence inaccuracy due
to systematic error. Furthermore, a percentage error of 48%, 4%, 2%, 120%, 93%, 147% of acceleration at
each respective angle, indicates that the experimental values are inaccurate relative to the theoretical
values.

Accuracy was attempted to be achieved by using a slow motion camera instead of a stopwatch, thus
mitigating the systematic error of human reaction time. However when measuring times, the ‘end’ of
motion was calculated to be when the cart hit the ground, rather than when the cart reached the end of the
plank. This would lead to a systematic error of an overestimation of time required for the carts motion,
hence causing the acceleration value to be lower than what it should be experimentally. This is likely what
caused the line of best fit extrapolation to be below the origin, rather than passing through the origin.
Accuracy can be improved by choice of equipment to minimize systematic error, and hence accuracy
could be improved by using a laser gate timer instead. This will allow for a more accurate measurement of
time by representing the ‘end’ of the journey exactly at the end of the ramp, rather than when the cart hit
the ground.

Reliability
Reliability is the extent to which an experiment or measurement will produce similar results upon multiple
trials under identical circumstances. Graphically, random errors will cause data points deviate above and
below the line of best fit.

The experiment is unreliable. Graphically, this can be seen through the data points of angles 15°, 22.5°,
30°, and 45° of the experimental data, deviating above and below the line of best fit. Furthermore, an
uncertainty value of 1.94, 2.53, 4.11, 11.04, 11.02, 16.85 for acceleration at each respective angle,
indicates that the experimental values are unreliable due to high uncertainty or variation in the collected
data due to random error.

Reliability was attempted to be achieved by re-measuring the angle of inclination before each trial to
prevent any deviation of the angle between individual trials, and using an average of the acceleration for
the graph data points in order to minimize the effect of random errors. However when starting the motion
of the cart, this was done manually by letting go of the cart. This would lead to random errors as
additional velocity could have been provided to the cart, causing the cart to have either a slightly positive
or negative velocity at the start of the motion rather than 0. This is likely what caused the deviation of the
experimental data, above and below the line of best fit, and hence lack of reliability. Reliability can be
improved by altering the method to minimize random variables. This can be done by placing a sliding
block in front of the cart, and sliding this out this to begin the motion of the cart. Through this alteration
of the method, the velocity of the cart will start at 0, and minimize the random variable of initial velocity
provided to the cart, thus improving accuracy.

Validity
The experiment is valid only for small angles (0-10°), but invalid for angles further than this. Validity is
the extent to which the experiment addresses the hypothesis and achieves the aim. Validity is achieved by
controlling all variables, and identifying the dependent and independent variables. The mass of the cart
the surface of inclined plane, length of inclined plane, starting point of the cart were all kept controlled.
Only the angle of inclined was changed (independent variable) and the acceleration was calculated
(dependent variable) Graphically, validity can be verified with comparison of the experimental graph to
the theoretical graph.

The experiment is valid only for small angles (0-10°), but invalid for angles further than this. Graphically,
this is observed due to the experimental graph appearing to follow a similar trend from small angles
(0-10°), but from 10° onward, the experimental graph begins to deviate from the theoretical graph. The
experimental graph shows a continuous linear trend as seen in the extrapolation, whereas the theoretical
graph follows a sinusoidal trend. Hence, the experiment was not able to achieve the aim of determining
the relationship between angle of inclination and acceleration of an object on an inclined plane, and the
hypothesis was correct for the experimental graph, but the experiment itself was invalid.

Validity was attempted to be achieved by controlling mass of the cart, surface of inclined plane, length of
inclined plane and starting point of the cart, but as mentioned above, the experiment is valid only for small
angles (0-10°), but invalid for angles further than this. It is valid for small angles due to the small angle
effect, wherein the sine graph at small angles closely follows a linear trend, but deviates from this linear
trend at larger angles. The primary reasoning behind this is due to a lack of sample size. Due to the large
jumps in angle, and the lack of data from 45° onward, the experimental graph was unable to confirm the
sinusoidal relationship between angle of inclination and acceleration. Hence by increasing the sample size
with smaller angle increment measurements, as well as measurements until 90 degrees, the experiment
will be improved by demonstrating a more valid sinusoidal graph for the experimental graph for all angle
data points - hence improving validity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion this experiment proved that angle of incline does in fact increase acceleration, but does not
achieve this for all cases. Hence, the hypothesis was proven incorrect as there was no linear or linearly
proportional resulting trend. Therefore the aim was also investigated.
APPENDIX CALCULATIONS:

Theoretical Value Table:

Table 3: Theoretical values for acceleration

Degrees Acceleration

7.5 1.279156684

15 2.5364266642

22.5 3.750297637

30 4.9

37.5 5.965862004

45 6.929646456
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