Experiment 3: To investigate the transfer of GPE to KE.

Theory: As the trolley rolls down the runway, its gravitational potential energy (GPE) is converted into kinetic energy (KE) according to the equation: 1 mgh = mv 2 2 If we make no attempt to correct for loss of energy through resistance, then a plot of mv2 against mgh can be used to estimate this fractional loss. distance Vv is calculated according to the equation: velocity = . time Q1. Explain how the plot can be used to measure the fraction of energy loss in the experiment. Q2. How could the above equation be used to estimate g? What plot should be used? Apparatus: Runways, trolley, tilting blocks, stopwatch, balance. Diagram: trolley start timing h block stop timing

stopwatch

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram. Measure the height, h, of the centre of gravity of the trolley above the horizontal board. Start the stopwatch when the trolley reaches the horizontal board. Stop the stopwatch when the trolley reaches the end of the horizontal board. Repeat steps 3 to 4 several times, to obtain an average value of v. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for different valves of h.

Ivan Cronins AS Physics notes

Results:
Height 1 Height 2 Height 3 Height 4 Height 5

1st Time: 2nd Time: 3rd Time: 4th Time: 5th Time: Mean: v:

Analysis: 1 2 mv against mgh . 2 Calculate the gradient of the graph. Draw a graph of Calculate the percentage loss in energy through friction and air resistance. Experimental Error: The error in the measurement of v is a compromise between the extra loss in energy as the trolley traverses the 1 m runway, and the smaller percentage error in the timing for this distance.

Ivan Cronins AS Physics notes