Motion
Motion track
Check the constant-acceleration equations against a timed run.
v = u + at
Apparatus
- Track marked in metres
- Cart with a known starting speed
- Clock reading to 0.1 s
Method
- Set the starting speed u and the acceleration a.
- Predict the speed and the displacement after 4.0 s before you release the cart.
- Press Release and read v and s from the bench.
- If your prediction is off, substitute the same u, a, and t again on paper.
On a real track, keep masses fixed and stand clear of the end stop.
The track is scaled to this 4.0 s run. A negative displacement stays at the start line.
The velocity–time line appears when you release the cart.
Time
0s
Velocity
—m/s
Displacement
—m
Acceleration
1.5m/s²
The readouts match v = u + at and s = ut + (1/2)at².
Back to the Motion lesson