Info

Rider accelerates down an inclined air-track while a series of lights flashes behind it. The spacing of the lights is such that the rider will pass each one just as it flashes, demonstrating the effect of uniform acceleration.

Setup Instructions

1. Set the blinking lights apparatus on blocks behind the air track so that the rider's flag blocks each light.

2. Plug the blinking lights into the variac (try ~50V), the variac into the metronome, and the metronome into the outlet. For metronome setup instructions see the video below (0.6, 0.2, 0.2 for m2, m1, int, then select metronome and autostart).

3. When the metronome is turned on the lights will flash, and the elevation of the air-track should then be carefully adjusted so that the rider passes each light at the right time.

Parts List

Air Track in K. Oversized, 1B-2B

Blower in K. Big Items, 1A

Blinking Lights in K. Big Items, 1B-2B

Large Blocks in L. Misc

Small Rider in K. Big Items, 1A

Electronic Metronome in K. Big Items, 1A

Variac in L. Misc

Relevant Simulation

Demo Example:

Metronome Instructions

Other Information

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Real-Life Examples

Example: Free Falling Body

More Advanced Reading

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