An Investigation into the Stopping Distance of Cylinders

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David Blyghton

An Investigation into the Stopping Distance of Cylinders

Method:

  1. Set the hinged ramp at the selected angle; lay the carpet on bench with the end of the carpet in contact with the end of the board.
  2. Put the cylinder at the desired distance on the middle of the board.
  3. Release the cylinder and let it fall down the plank
  4. Measure the distance that the cylinder has travelled; do at least 3 of the identical distance up the board. This is so that you are able to take an average, not relying on a single figure.
  5. Record results in an easy to understand table.

Diagram

Variables:

The experiment has a number of potential variables but the two I have chosen are

  1. The angle of the ramp against the table. These are easily selected by the seven notches which are on the back of the ramp. Here the cylinder will be dropped at a set point, 30cm up the board
  2. The “distance up the board” or the “starting point” the cylinder is placed. Here the angle of the board will be fixed.

Fixed Factors:

Here are a number of factors which will keep the experiment fair:

1) Surface type of ramp: The surface of the ramp may affect the outcome of the results because any type of grip on the surface could slow it down and also such things as lubricants on the ramp could make the ramp slippery in effect speeding up the ramp.

2) Weight/mass of cylinder: The mass of the cylinder affects the results because the weight could either slow it down or even speed the cylinder up, as there will be a greater amount of potential energy pulling on the cylinder. In this experiment the fixed cylinder weighs 44.45grams.

3) Surface of cylinder: The surface of the cylinder could affect it because just like the ‘surface type of the ramp’ the cylinder’s surface could slow it down.

4) Carpet – The carpet may affect the results if different due to the fact that different carpets have different surface textures meaning that there may be added friction to the cylinder, therefore slowing it down.

In addition the distance markings on the ramp must be reliable and must be clear screen to prevent confusion, which could seriously jeopardise the results of the experiment. As well as this, the metre stick used for measuring must be very accurate and with clear incisions as to where the markings are.

Hypothesis:

I plan to collect a range of results using the apparatus which will lead me to proving my predictions. The apparatus given to me will be used to its full extent, or in other words trying to find out as many possible ways to extend my study, or to even find any problems with the given apparatus.

 Variable 1 – The Angle

My prediction in the simplest terms is that as the angle gets greater, the further the cylinder will travel. This is due to the fact that the cylinder gains kinetic energy as it travels down the ramp; the steeper the ramp the more kinetic energy it will acquire. As the ramp is at a steeper incline, the cylinder will have more gravitational pull, with less resistance the potential energy of the cylinder lost is equal to the kinetic energy gained.         There will be a transfer of potential energy to kinetic energy. When the cylinder reaches the carpet the kinetic energy will be converted to heat energy. This leads me to believe that the cylinder will then go further on the carpet, when the angle is bigger.

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  • Potential Energy = mgh (mass x gravitation pull x height)

  • Kinetic Energy = 1/2 mass x velocity (squared)

  • Work = Force x Distance

  • Work Done = Energy Converted

We can combine the equations that will be most useful to me for the variable. These equations are

  1. Potential Energy = mgh
  2. Work = Force x Distance

We also know that work that is done is equal to the energy converted or gained. As the cylinder moves down the ramp, the energy conversion from potential to kinetic occurs.  This theory gives us the equation:

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