Experiment plan - How is the distance travelled by a propelled margarine tub dependant on the mass of the margarine tub?
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Introduction
[TYPE THE COMPANY NAME] |
Moving Margarine Tub |
How does mass affect distance travelled? Design IA |
Fredrick Khayad |
Research Question
How is the distance travelled by a propelled margarine tub dependant on the mass of the margarine tub?
Independent Variable
The mass within the margarine tub, within this investigation the mass that will be utilized are brass weights which will be in grams. The weights used will be 50g and 100g weights.
Dependant Variable
Distance travelled by the margarine tub which will be measured in cm.
Controlled Variables | |
What will be controlled | How will it be controlled |
Elastic Potential Energy of Rubber Band | The margarine tub will be pulled back into the same position every time when launched, however some degree of inaccuracy will occur with this approach. |
Direction of launch | Margarine tub will always be launched in the same direction |
The wind | To minimize the effect of the air blowing against the margarine tub, the experiment will be held within a classroom with doors and windows shut. |
Placement of Weights | Tape down the weights within the margarine tub thus keeping them stationary. |
Method
Measuring the variables
Apparatus List |
School Chair |
1 x Large Rubber Band |
1 x Empty Margarine Tub |
1 x 50g Brass weight |
5 x 100g Brass weights |
1 x Marker |
1 x 2m Measuring Tape |
1x Friend |
1 x Tape |
1 x Safety Goggles |
4 x 1 metre rulers |
Middle


Safety
* Do not stretch the elastic band past the second half, and make sure the weight upon the chair is heavy enough to keep the stool in place
* Ensure that safety goggles are always on when experiment is still in progress
* Confirm that weighs are properly taped down and lid securely fixed down as weights may fly out and become a safety hazard if it hits people in the eye.
* As the experiment will be taken place within the classroom, ensure that the area of launch is free of people.
Procedure
- Select an appropriate launch point which has a smooth surface and has no obstructing objects within the vicinity.
- Set up launcher as seen in the ‘launcher set up’ diagram
- Proceed to set-up runway so it is stool wide in width
- Make sure to tape down measuring tape to not affect the results
Conclusion
Raw Data Table
Mass (kg) | Mass Uncertainty (kg)(x10-3) | Distance travelled Trial 1 (m) | Distance travelled Trail 2 (m) | Distance travelled Trial 3 (m) | Distance Uncertainty (m) | Average Distance (m) |
0.05 | ||||||
0.10 | ||||||
0.15 | ||||||
0.20 | ||||||
0.25 | ||||||
0.30 | ||||||
0.35 | ||||||
0.40 | ||||||
0.45 | ||||||
0.50 |
This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our International Baccalaureate Physics section.
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