Embedded Files
One of the AP Physics 1 Exam FRQs is an experimental design question. This is an example of the structure of an ED-FRQ. This is a formative assessment of an ED-FRQ. More information about ED-FRQs can be found HERE.
Pull back cars are simple spring powered cars that act with a consistent force. A group of students wishes to experimentally determine the effect of mass on the acceleration of a pull back car.
Complete table to the right, stating which quantities you will measure, the symbol for that quantity and the standard physics classroom equipment you will use to measure the quantity. Some equipment/materials are shown in the images below, you may use other equipment as necessary. Add additional rows as necessary.
Describe the experimental procedure that you would use. In your description, state the measurements you would make, how you would use the equipment to make them, and how you would determine the relationship from those measurements. Take “OAIM” and Fire. STATE THAT YOU WILL TAKE MULTIPLE TRIALS.
Using the data table shown, collect sufficient data to determine a clear trend in your data. AP will ask for you to state you have collected three trials for each treatment of the independent variable. (On an exam you will be expected to interpret given data in a table format, infer from an equation, or read from a graph the linearization of the data.)
Indicate below which quantities could be graphed to determine the relationship between mass and acceleration by using a linear best-fit line. You may use the remaining columns in the table above, as needed, to record any quantities (including units) that are not already in the table.
Vertical Axis:_____________
Horizontal Axis:________________
On the grids provided in class, (printable copy HERE) Clearly scale and label all axes, including units as appropriate.
Plot the raw data to determine the initial relationship between the mass and acceleration.
Plot the appropriate quantities to linearize the data to determine the average force of the car by using a best-fit line.
Insert a scan of your graph(s) here.
Use the graph to estimate a value for the initial force of the spring within the pull back car.
Another group uses a different car. A much smaller car (1/64 scale as opposed to the 1/16 scale used in the experiment). Predict how your data may change and as a result how your final graph may change for the smaller car.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse