Lab 2: Uniform Motion

Goal: Use data from just two photogates to develop a multi-representational model of a cart's motion along your track.

Use the model to predict the time that the cart will arrive at the third gate. (whose location you won't know in advance)

Note: Use the "Introduction to Photogate Timing" Logger Pro file as a starting place for collecting data.

Lab 2: Lab Must Haves

I. Sketch of Experimental Setup II. Organized record of data collected (e.g., table) III. Complete Model of cart's motion, including following representations

motion diagram position vs. time graph algebraic equation

IV. Mathematical work /reasoning for how you made your predicted outcome using the model you developed.

V. Record of the measured outcome, and how it compared to predicted outcome.

Lab 2: Lab Questions

1. Describe the assumptions that went into modeling the cart's motion. What evidence do you have from the data you initially collected that help make this assumption seem reasonable?

2. Does your predicted outcome agree with your measured outcome? Explain.

3. What would you do differently next time? (e.g., to be more efficient, or to be more precise, or to better check assumptions)