This lab will be assessed on all the assessment
criteria.
Introduction:
In this lab you will project a body along a smooth
horizontal surface with an elastic cord. Due to friction the body will
come to rest after travelling some distance. There are a number of factors
besides friction which influence how far the body will go. Your task is
to investigate the mathematical relationship between these factors and
the distance travelled.
Procedure:
Identify all the relevant variables and decide which
of these you are going to investigate. Using conservation of energy, hypothesise
a quantitative relationship between the distance travelled and each of
the variables you wish to investigate. Design an experiment that allows
you to collect enough data to test your hypothesis. For each variable plot
a suitable graph so that the observed data can be quantitatively
analysed and compared with your hypothesis. Finally, make an evaluation
of your results and your experimental procedure and comment on how successfully
you were at predicting the behaviour of the projected body. Indicate any
areas where you could improve your results.
Note: If you are careful you should be able to use
your graphs to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between the
body and the horizontal surface. Think about what additional measurements
you might need to make in order to do this.