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INTRODUCTION

In this experiment, the energy and dynamics of the car is

investigated by measuring the velocity and different forces that affect the
cars motion. Speed of the car can be picked up by the photogate at
different locations on the ramp as well as the time the car traveled. Wind
tunnel is used to determine the drag force while blue box can measure the
rolling friction force of the car. Drag, friction, potential and kinetic energy
can be calculated. Conversation of energy, which states that the amount of
energy remains constant and energy is neither created nor destroyed, is
then applied to compare calculated and measured data.
The objective of this lab is to become familiar with collecting and
evaluating data based on mathematical formula as well as analyzing errors
during the experiment.

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EQUIPMENT

Pasco Xplorer GLX Data Acquisition Box

Pittsburgh caliper 8 digital
Aluminum track
Centech digital scale
Airtech Xstream by Pitsco Manometer
Rectangle Wooden Car #6

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PROCEDURE

1. Weigh the car using the electronic scale.

2. Measure dimensions of the car and record the data.
3. Take photos of the car and the equipment used.
4. Measure the length of the track, release height of the car, and the
slope of the track.
5. Place the car on the track, release it, and record the total time lapse.
Repeat this step if needed.
6. Carefully place the photo-gate system at the pre-marked locations
so that the car will pass through the gate. Place the car on the track
and release it. Record the velocity of the car at the photo-gate
location. Measure the distance the car traveled to the photo-gate.
7. Repeat part 7 for each pre-marked location on the track.
8. Measuring rolling friction force by placing the car on the section of
the track that is horizontal and using the force sensor. Push on the
car gently until the car moves and record the data.
9. Obtain drag force data by putting the car in the wind tunnel and
run the tunnel at the air speeds of about 20 and 40 mph. Record the

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drag force as well as the front and back lift force on the car.
Velocity can be calculated using these drag force data. Compare
these velocities with the one already measured.
10. Write a report according to the template. Calculate the cars
velocity using the energy equations and data obtained. Compare
calculated velocities with the measured values and discuss the
differences.

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RESULTS

Rectangle Wooden Car #6

Table 1. Car weight

Trial
Weight (g)

1
182.00

2
182.00

Average
182.00

3
182.00

Table 2.1 Car dimensions (measured in mm)

Trial
Width
Length
Height

1
44.75
178.08
31.67

2
44.60
178.11
31.70

3
44.53
178.13
31.64

Average
44.61
178.09
31.67

4
44.47
178.05
31.65

Table 2.2 Cars Metal parts dimensions (measured in mm)

Trial
Spiral
Tail End
Head

1
18.83
12.81
13.08

2
18.84
12.79
13.13

3
18.81
12.80
12.89

Average
18.83
13.03
12.08

Table 2.3 Cars Wheels dimensions (measured in mm)

Trial
Diameter of Front Right
Width of front right
Diameter of Rear Right
Width of rear right
Diameter of Front left
Width of front left
Diameter of Rear left
Width of rear left

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1
30.06
9.55
30.13
9.61
30.07
9.61
30.02
9.58

2
30.09
9.48
30.06
9.62
30.05
9.61
30.01
9.62

3
30.07
9.50
30.07
9.61
30.07
9.60
30.08
9.58

Average
30.07
9.51
30.09
9.61
30.06
9.61
30.04
9.59

Table 2.4 Spaces between 2 wheels (measured in mm)

Trial
Two front wheel
Two rear wheel
Two right wheels
Two left wheels

1
65.70
65.96
141.39
141.34

2
65.64
65.71
141,27
141.15

Average
65.67
65.80
141.19
141.29

3
65.67
65.73
141.00
141.38

Table 3. Rolling Friction Force

Trial
Friction
Force (N)

0.03 0.02 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.03

Table 4. Total time lapse

Trial
Time (s)

1
2
3
Did not finish Did not finish Did not finish

Table 5. Velocity
Position
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Height
(mm)
1130
750
260
130
60
50
50
50
50
50

Distance
(mm)
920
910
275
295
305
1820
2270
2260
1735
1997

Velocity (mph)
2.69
3.74
1.08
1.08
3.98
3.47
1.91
2.03
1.11
Did not finish

Table 6. Drag Force

Manometer
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10

Velocity

Drag

Lift Force (N)

Average
0.0318

Trial

(psi)

(mph)

1
2
3

1500
3000
4000

17
34.1
45.5

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Force
(N)
0
0.206
0.559

Front
Wheel
3
7
7

Rear
Wheel
2
4
8

CONCLUSION

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