Physics 20 Virtual Energy lab

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/energy-skate-park

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/energy-skate-park/latest/energy-skate-park_all.html

Problem: What is the coefficient of static friction in the PhET simulation Forces and Motion? You will use the PhET simulation lab to create a data table and a graph. Using slope analysis of the graph, you will determine the coefficient of friction. Instructions: 1) Launch the "Energy Skate Stick to Track Park" simulation on the PhET Friction website. Load the "Measure" Energy Lots Kinetic version of the sim. Potential Gravity Thommal Total 2) Adjust the track to the shape Earth T of a lopsided checkmark. Change the Friction from "None" to a little bit. (see picture) 3) Drop the skateboarder above the left side of the track. Once she has flown off screen, pause the sim by pressing the pause button ( ") ) 4) Use the blue and yellow measuring tape to measure the distance from the bottom red dot to each purple dot to the right. Use the purple measuring tool to measure the amount of Thermal energy at each of the purple dot. In this lab, the Thermal Energy is the work done by Friction on the skateboarder. 5) Record a couple of visual observations (qualitative observations) as well. 6) [Instructions continue below. ]Observation Title: Distance (m) Thermal Energy ()Friction setting (none/really low/low/med/lots): Qualitative observations: Analysis 7) Create a scatter plot graph using the Distance as the manipulated variable and the Thermal Energy as the responding variable. Add a line of best fit with the equation showing and don't forget to give it a title and axis label and units. 8) Determine the slope of the line of best fit by hand or using the equation feature in Sheets/Excel. 9) Compare the slope - intercept form of this graph ("y=mx+b") to an applicable physics equation. What does the slope of the graph represent? What is its value? 10) Does the force of friction appear realistic? Why or why not? 11)For an Exemplary mark (90% +), repeat the lab with a friction setting near medium. What effect does it have on your results? (Please include a new graph and comparison to a physics equation.)Perform and Record: Data Tables: Criteria Thorough and descriptive title The first row is a label row and designates the units for the quantities in the column Manipulated variable is on the left-most column. Responding variable(s) is/are on the right-most column(s). Controlled variables are recorded below the table. Neatly drawn with a use a straight edge to make lines separating row and columns. Writing is neat and legible Graphs Criteria Thorough and descriptive title Graph is drawn on graph paper or computer generated Each axis is labeled and given an appropriate unit Best fit lines are drawn with a straight edge or trend curves are smooth. No "connecting the dots" Appropriate scale is choose so that each axis is maximized and uses at least 75% of the scaleAnalyze and Interpret: Slope Analysis: Criteria Two points other than original data points for calculating slope are labeled on the best fit line or determined by computer and shown on graph Slope is identified as a number and has appropriate units The appropriate physics equation is determined. Physics equation is compared to the slope - intercept equation (y=mx+b) The physics "meaning" of the slope is determined and is accurately used to obtain the desired physics quantity Result Interpretation: Criteria Sample calculation(s) is/are included when requested. The problem of the lab is addressed OR the unknown value is determined. The unknown value is compared quantitatively (with % error) or qualitatively (with words) to the accepted value. It is also defended based on sample size, error analysis and experimental controls Questions specific to the lab are answered correctly (3X)