Experiment plan - How is the distance travelled by a propelled margarine tub dependant on the mass of the margarine tub?

Method

Measuring the variables

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

1. Select an appropriate launch point which has a smooth surface and has no obstructing objects within the vicinity.
2. Set up launcher as seen in the ‘launcher set up’ diagram
3. Proceed to set-up runway so it is stool wide in width
4. Make sure to tape down measuring tape to not affect the results
5. Tape down 50g weight in the centre of the margarine tub. The range of weights that will be used will be from 50-500grams with 10 intervals, starting from 50g and then adding another 50g each consecutive time.
6. Stretch back the elastic band from the legs of the stool to the other half of the rubber band (the hind legs of the stool) and place the weighted margarine tub in the middle of the band.
7. Let go of the elastic band and let the margarine tub slide along the runway until it stops before taking any measurements of the distance.
8. Mark the point in front of the margarine tub, remove the tub then take measurements from the launching mark beside the stool.
9. If margarine tub touches the rulers, take the trial again as it will affect the data. Best results will be found when margarine tub travels straight.
10. Repeat steps 5 til 8 to obtain all results taping down the weights either evenly spread within the margarine tub, or stacked evenly above each other.

Controlled Variables

• Runway used – if the runway changes or has some variations in its surface, it could adjust the amount of friction, energy transfer etc. Therefore, always use the same runway.
• Elastic band – Ensure that the same elastic band is used throughout the experiment as some rubber bands will have different elasticity and force than others, in doing so the same elasticity and force will be the same throughout.
• Force – Make sure the rubber band is pulled back at the same position.
• Stool – Let it remain at a fixed point and ensure the weight is heavy enough to keep stool stable, and always use the same stool as front legs distance to hind legs may differ from others.
• Equipment – Always use the same apparatus, and measure from the same point and same part of the margarine tub. Fix down the measuring tape as it can be easily moved, affect results.
• Weight – The change in weight must be constant to produce good results of a sustainable range.

Raw Data Table