Lab 2: Velocity
Lab 2: Velocity
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Background Information
Background Information
For this lab we were tasked with measuring the velocity of an object through 10 trials. My group chose a battery toy car for these trials. Velocity is defined as directional speed. It is measured by calculating distance divided by time. There are also other methods to find velocity. We used 2 different methods to find velocity, average velocity, and standard deviation.
For this lab we were tasked with measuring the velocity of an object through 10 trials. My group chose a battery toy car for these trials. Velocity is defined as directional speed. It is measured by calculating distance divided by time. There are also other methods to find velocity. We used 2 different methods to find velocity, average velocity, and standard deviation.
Methods & Details
Methods & Details
To conduct this experiment, we took a 2-meter stick and put it against the wall. We then started the car at the beginning of the stick and used a phone stopwatch to measure seconds until the car hit 2 meters. We also filmed each trial as a second measure.
To conduct this experiment, we took a 2-meter stick and put it against the wall. We then started the car at the beginning of the stick and used a phone stopwatch to measure seconds until the car hit 2 meters. We also filmed each trial as a second measure.
Method 1: Manual
Method 1: Manual
I calculated each velocity using distance/time or m/s. The average velocity was calculated by adding the velocities up and dividing by 10. The average calculated velocity is 0.36 m/s.
**(note: speed should say time, typo)
Method 2: Excel & Graph
Method 2: Excel & Graph
To calculate the velocities through excel, I used =d/t for each corresponding trial/row.
EX: =B2/D2
To calculate the average velocity, I added up the distance and time separately. Then, I divided distance by time.
EX: =B13/D13
The graph shows the distance and time by each trial. Each was added together up to trial 10 to receive an accurate graph.
<----- Here is an image of our set up. We have our battery car at the start ready for our trials in this picture.
Comparing and Contrasting Methods
Comparing and Contrasting Methods
Each method is valid and effective. In the future, personally, I would use manual calculation (method 1) and then put the numbers into excel to create a graph. Statistically, both of the methods have a standard deviation that is less than 10 percent of the mean. Method 1 standard deviation = 0.028284. Method 2 standard deviation = 0.034994. 10 percent of each mean is 0.036 and 0.035524. Overall. both methods are good choices.
Each method is valid and effective. In the future, personally, I would use manual calculation (method 1) and then put the numbers into excel to create a graph. Statistically, both of the methods have a standard deviation that is less than 10 percent of the mean. Method 1 standard deviation = 0.028284. Method 2 standard deviation = 0.034994. 10 percent of each mean is 0.036 and 0.035524. Overall. both methods are good choices.
Potential Error
Potential Error
During these trial runs we could have inaccurately measured the time. I also could have made formula errors on excel.
During these trial runs we could have inaccurately measured the time. I also could have made formula errors on excel.
Results
Results
I have learned a lot about the calculation of velocity through this visual experiment. Although it can seem daunting, it is very simple. Using both of these methods was a helpful tool for calculating velocity. We learned that the battery toy car goes an average of 0.36 m/s.
I have learned a lot about the calculation of velocity through this visual experiment. Although it can seem daunting, it is very simple. Using both of these methods was a helpful tool for calculating velocity. We learned that the battery toy car goes an average of 0.36 m/s.
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