H Exp – Mechanics 10 – Work done

Aim – To calculate the work done by the force of friction acting on a trolley moving down a slope

Instructions

▪ Release the trolley so that it runs through he light beam
▪ Measure the width of the mask on the trolley
▪ Note the time recorded on the timer at the light gate and calculate the speed of the trolley, v, through he light gate
▪ Measure the difference in height between the starting position and the position of the light gate; height h
▪ Calculate the loss in gravitational potential energy of the trolley
▪ Hence calculate the energy “difference” due to friction
▪ Measure the distance, d, travelled by the trolley to the light gate
▪ By considering the work done by friction on the trolley, calculate the average force of friction acting on the trolley over the distance d, down the slope

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