Inclined Ramp Simulation
Sections
1. Introduction
2. Cart Ramp
3. Hypotheses
Sections
1. Introduction
2. Cart Ramp
3. Hypotheses
1. Introduction
Instructions Read the introduction | Scientists often use simulations to model the real world interactions of a system. Observing the behavior of a simulation can lead to new questions about how the parts of the system interact. To answer these questions we can form hypotheses and create experiments to test the predictions made by our hypotheses. The results of our experiments can lead to better simulations and new understanding.
We're going to use a simulation of a cart on a ramp to help us form some hypotheses about how the cart accelerates when the angle of the ramp or the mass of the cart changes. |
2. Cart Ramp
Instructions Change the height of the ramp and the mass of the cart several times. observe the change in cart velocity and acceleration. Goals Change the ramp height at least 3 times
Change the cart mass at least 3 times
| Here we've created a simulation of a cart on a ramp. The ramp has sensors that can detect how fast the cart is
moving in two places. Then, because acceleration is the change in velocity, we know how the cart accelerated between
the sensors. Adjust the angle of the ramp and the mass
of the cart a few times and try to get a feeling for the relationship between the parameters.
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3. Hypotheses
Instructions Answer the questions Goals Answer all questions
| Now that you have some experience with the behavior of the cart on a ramp, what do you think about the relationship between the parameters?
Will the acceleration of the cart change when the ramp is tilted? If so, does it increase or decrease when the ramp is tilted more? If not, why does the acceleration stay the same?
Will the acceleration of the cart change when more mass is added to the cart? If so, does it increase or decrease as we add more mass? If not, why does the acceleration stay the same?
With the hypotheses you just formed in mind, what would the experiment, or experiments, look like that would test these hypotheses?
How would you test your hypothesis about the relationship between the angle of the ramp and the acceleration of the cart? What parameter would you change during the experiment?
How would you test your hypothesis about the relationship between the mass of the cart and the acceleration of the cart? What parameter would you change during the experiment?
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4. Lesson Done
Instructions You have completed the lesson. You may scroll up to review the lesson. |
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