Mechanics:
Inclined Plane

PIRA Class: 1M20.30

Purpose:
To compare energy and forces when work is done with and without a simple machine.

Description:
Hang masses from the pulley until the cart just begins to move (or rather, will move at constant velocity once given a tap to over come static friction).

Compare the force needed to move the cart along the ramp with constant speed to the force needed to raise the cart vertically at constant speed. Use these values to calculate the Mechanical Advantage of the ramp (ME = Force Applied/Cart Weight Raised). Compare experimental ME value with theoretical prediction assuming no friction.

Calculate & compare the work done in lifting a cart vertically up a height versus pulling the cart up an inclined plane to the same height.

NOTE: Make measurements before class to assure having good numbers for the class. Retake numbers in class for students sake.

Equipment:
Dynamics track and pulley, dynamics cart, string, hanging weights, protractor, books (to prop up one side of track), optional: spring scale

Location:
Shelf 145 (track), shelf 112 (cart + dynamics track accessories box w/ pulley), string is in the drawer across from PHYS-102, shelf 151 (weights), shelf 116 (protractor), shelf 116/124 (spring scale), books are available on the shelf next to the desk in the demo room