Factors affecting the stopping distance of a ball rolling down a ramp.

Authors Avatar

Factors affecting the stopping distance of a ball rolling down a ramp.

Aim

My aim in this experiment is to investigate how by changing the height of a ramp would affect the stopping distance of a ball rolling down it.

Method

  1. I would step up the ramp by securing it to a boss and clamp, which is on a retort stand.
  2. I would then measure the height of the ramp and see if I need to adjust it.
  3. Then I would roll a marble down the ramp and wait the marble stops.
  4. Then I would measure the distance it took to stop, form the ball to the end of the ramp.
  5. After repeating this three times and noting down the measurements, I would then raise the height of the ramp by 5cms.

Diagram

Fair Test

To ensure this experiment is fair, I would:

  • Use the same ramp. If I changed the ramp, one might have more friction than the other.
  • I would also use the same area where the ball is rolling onto.
  • I would also use the same measuring ruler.
  • Measure from the same point of the ball to in line with the end of the ramp. This would ensure me that I will get accurate results.
Join now!

Safety

  • I would make sure that no one would step onto the ball.
  • I would also use the equipment correctly and sensibly.

Range and Other Key Factors

I would be changing the height of the ramp by 5cms every time. I have chosen this range because I think that if I change the height of the ramp by 10cm every time, I would not get very consistent results, and so it would lead to a very spaced out graph. It would then be hard to see how the height of ...

This is a preview of the whole essay