The Effect of Weight on Distance Traveled

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The Effect of Weight on Distance Traveled

Aim

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I am going to investigate how the weight of an object affects the

distance it can travel. I will use a margarine tub as my object to

carry out my investigation.

Knowledge

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From preliminary work and research on the Internet I have gained some

knowledge. This will help me carry out my experiment and understand

it.

Equations

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Work done (j) = force applied (N) x distance (m)

The previous equation also applies for Elastic Potential Energy.

Acceleration (m/s²) = force (N) mass (kg)

Forces

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Friction = the force which resists movement between two surfaces that

are in contact.

Gravity = the force that pulls objects towards the Earth.

Air resistance = the force that acts in the opposite direction to the

motion when an object is moving through the air.

When an object is stationary or at a constant speed we know that the

forces acting on it are balanced. However, if an object changes

direction, shape or size or if it slows down or speeds up the forces

acting on it are unbalanced.

The bigger the force on an object the greater the work done.

Energy

Elastic Potential Energy = stored in an elastic object when work is

done on the object to change its shape.

Kinetic Energy = the energy an object has because of its movement. An

object has more kinetic energy the greater its mass and speed.

Prediction

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I predict that as the weight in the margarine tub is increased the

distance it will travel is decreased. I think that the elastic

potential energy will also decrease as the weight increases.

Diagram of apparatus

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Stool

Newton meter

Weights

Chalk

Margarine tub

Metre rule

Elastic band

Method

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1. Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram on the floor.

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