A student carried out an experiment to measure the velocity of an object - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2022

On the diagram, indicate the length of the track or the distance travelled by the car/rider with a line and label it as 'distance travelled by car/rider'.

The student measured the time using an electronic timer that was started when the car/rider began to move and stopped when it reached the end of the specified distance. The time readings were precise, likely using intervals of 0.02 seconds.

The formula used to calculate the velocity is given by:

$v = \frac{s}{t}$

where $v$ is the velocity, $s$ is the distance travelled, and $t$ is the time taken.

The student may have changed the slope of the apparatus or applied a second light-gate to measure acceleration more accurately.

The student took measurements of two distances and the times/velocities at those points to calculate the change in velocity over a period of time.

The student used the formula for acceleration:

$a = \frac{(v - u)}{t}$

or

$s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2$

where $v$ is final velocity, $u$ is initial velocity, $t$ is time, and $s$ is the distance.

1. Use a smoother surface on the track to reduce friction.
2. Ensure the timer is calibrated correctly to avoid errors and improve sensitivity.