Changing the starting height of the cart
In this trial, compare starting the cart at different heights. Connect the SmartWheel to your handheld computer. Refer to Technical Hints to see how to connect the cables.
Set the ramp with a height of 10cm at the higher end. Mark two distances up the ramp, one twice as far as the other. Place the cart on the ramp with the back wheels on the upper mark.
Start the software to read a velocity versus time graph.
Let the cart roll down the ramp and continue along the floor or desk. As soon as it leaves the ramp completely, pick it up and place it with the back wheels on the lower mark. Let the cart roll down the ramp.
Stop the software immediately after a good roll and save your data.
The cart gained kinetic energy, or energy of motion, as it went down the ramp. What is the maximum velocity for each of the two starting heights? Calculate the ratio of two maximum velocities. Compare it to the ratio of the two starting heights of the cart.
