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Speed and Motion Investigation

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Speed and Motion Investigation

A science team is investigating how ramp height affects a trolley’s motion. Study the setup and results, then answer the questions. Speed = distance ÷ time. Include units in your answers.

A. Read the results

The team repeated each test three times. They changed only the ramp height. The trolley, ramp surface and 2.4 m travel distance stayed the same.

Ramp height

Trial 1 (s)

Trial 2 (s)

Trial 3 (s)

Mean time (s)

10 cm

2.5

2.4

2.6

2.5

20 cm

1.8

1.7

1.9

1.8

30 cm

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.Which ramp height produced the shortest mean time, and what does that tell you about the trolley’s motion?
2.At the 20 cm ramp height, the mean time was 1.8 s. Calculate the trolley’s mean speed over 2.4 m.
3.Which statement best describes the pattern in the results as ramp height increased?
  • Mean time increased, so speed decreased.
  • Mean time decreased, so speed increased.
  • Mean time stayed the same, so speed stayed the same.
  • The distance increased, so speed decreased.

B. Explain the science

Use evidence from the setup and results to explain what is happening.

4.Complete the sentence: At the top of the ramp, the raised trolley has gravitational energy.
5.Complete the sentence: As the trolley rolls down the ramp, gravitational potential energy is transferred mainly into energy.
6.True or false? The results prove that ramp height is the only factor that can affect a trolley’s speed. Give one reason for your answer.
TrueFalse
7.Name the force that acts between the trolley’s wheels and the track and can oppose its motion. How would a rougher track affect the trolley?
8.The three times at 10 cm are 2.5 s, 2.4 s and 2.6 s. Calculate their mean and explain why repeating a trial is useful.
9.The team wants a fair test of how ramp height affects speed. Name one variable they should keep the same and explain why.
10.The team wants to improve the accuracy of its timing. Suggest one practical change to the method and explain how it would help.

2 printable pages

  • Ramp investigation setup and trolley trial results table

    Page 1

  • Questions about speed, energy transfers, fair testing and measurement accuracy

    Page 2

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