Conclusion:

The graph of speed squared vs release height is linear, showing that the speed of the car at the bottom
of the ramp is directly proportional to the square root of the height from which it is released.

v 2 (13.0 0.5)ms 2 x h (0.1 0.1)m 2 s 2

According to theory, the gravitational energy of the car is converted to kinetic energy as it moves down
the ramp. In the ideal situation (friction is ignored) the speed at the bottom of the ramp is given by the
equation v 2gh i.e. it is expected that the speed should be directly proportional to the square root
of so the graph should go through the origin.
From the above equation v 2 gh thus the gradient represents 2g. We expected a gradient of
approximately 19.6 (from IB data booklet). (=2g). Our gradient is between 12.5 and 13.5 which is
2

significantly lower than the expected value. The equation v 2gh assumes that all the GPE is
converted to KE. This does not happen in reality as some energy is converted to heat due to friction
between the tyres and the ramp, air resistance and in the moving parts of the car.
The 2nd trial for a height of 0.5 m was significantly higher than the other two trials which would have
affected the overall result. We should have taken a further reading.

We expected the line to go through the origin ie y icpt =0. Our non-zero y intercept