Motion Analysis
Measuring Acceleration Using Ticker-Tape Timers and Photogates
Explore different methods for measuring acceleration. Compare ticker-tape timers and photogate systems by observing how they record the motion of an accelerating cart.
Ticker-Tape Timer
Acceleration: 0.00 m/s²
Observation:
Ticker-tape timers create dots at regular time intervals. The increasing spacing between dots shows acceleration.
The Science Behind Motion Analysis
Key Concepts:
Measuring acceleration requires precise time and distance measurements:
- Ticker-Tape Timers: Mark paper tape at regular intervals (e.g., 50Hz = 0.02s/dot). Acceleration calculated from changing dot spacing.
- Photogate Systems: Measure time intervals as object passes through light beams. Acceleration calculated from time differences between gates.
- Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity (a = Δv/Δt), measured in m/s²
Calculation Methods:
For ticker-tape: a = (s₂ - s₁)/t² (where s is spacing between dots, t is time interval).
For photogates: a = 2d/(t₂² - t₁²) (where d is gate spacing, t is transit times).
