Measuring Acceleration Using a Double Mask

Introduction

• An alternative experiment to measure the acceleration of a trolley down a ramp involves the use of a double mask. This method provides an efficient way to calculate acceleration.

Equipment

• The equipment required for this experiment includes:
  • Double mask (a card with a specific shape)
  • Trolley
  • Light gate
  • Timing device

Double Mask

• The double mask is a card with a distinctive shape. It resembles a rectangular card with a square cut out along the top edge. The width of the two taller parts of the card is measured.

Procedure

• Measure the Width of the Double Mask: Determine and record the width of the two taller parts of the double mask.
• Attach the Double Mask to the Trolley: Securely attach the double mask to the trolley.
• Position the Light Gate: Place a light gate at the bottom of the slope.
• Release the Trolley: Allow the trolley to roll down the slope with the double mask attached.
• Time the Light Interruption: The light gate is connected to a device that measures the time it is blocked when the first section of the card passes through it. This measurement helps calculate the initial velocity (u) of the trolley.
• Measure Time Between Sections: The device also measures the time it takes for the second part of the card to block the light, providing the time interval (t) between the velocities.
• Calculate Final Velocity (v): The device calculates the final velocity (v) of the trolley as it passes through the light gate.

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Measuring Acceleration Using a Double Mask

Calculate Acceleration

• Calculate Acceleration: Use the calculated initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), and the time interval (t) between them in the following equation to calculate the acceleration.
  • Acceleration (a) = (v - u) / t

Summary

• To measure acceleration using a double mask, measure the width of the two taller parts of the card, attach it to a trolley, and set up a light gate at the bottom of the slope.
• As the trolley moves down the slope, measure the time it takes for each section of the card to block the light gate.
• Use the time measurements to calculate the initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), and the time interval (t) between them.
• Finally, use the formula provided to calculate the acceleration of the trolley.
• This experiment offers an efficient way to study acceleration and the relationship between velocity and time.