Factors Determining the Stopping Distance of Rollers Down a Ramp

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Factors Determining the Stopping Distance of Rollers Down a Ramp

Theory-

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When the roller is rolling down the slope then potential energy is

converted to kinetic energy that converts into heat energy.

MGH = ½MVsquared

The loss of kinetic energy on the carpet is ….

½MVsquared = braking force x braking distance

therefore….

½Mvsquared = F x

so MGH = F x

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If m, g and f are constant then….

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However if G is constant then….

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So….

This relation ship can be tested for a fixed angle, roller mass and

fixed carpet.

Predictions-

In this experiment, before it was conducted and results were obtained

, I predicted that for all the rollers, that the stopping distance

would be directly proportional to the distance up the ramp. This

prediction can be tested by plotting a graph of the results.

Variables and Constants in the Experiment

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Variables

Constants

Distance up ramp

Type of carpet

Distance along carpet

Angle 'G'

Mass of roller

Type of metal

To maintain a fair test these are the procedures I had -

· 1 fixed angle

· 1 set of rollers

· to make sure that the ruler was at the bottom of the ramp

· A fixed interval (3,6,9ect….)

To find out if my predictions were correct, I conducted an experiment.

It was set up as follows;

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Experiment

Aim -

to investigate the factors, which determine the stopping distance of

rollers down a ramp

Apparatus-

1. 3 rollers, all made from steel

2. I ramp

3. 2 meter rules

4. a stretch of carpet

5. a set square - to measure up to the half way point on the roller

Method -

1. select a type of roller, and do not change it

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