HS 1st year Physics Chapter 2: Experiments

 Experiment Title: Study of Motion in a Straight Line

Objective: To study the concepts of displacement, velocity, and acceleration using motion in a straight line.

Materials Required:

• A meter scale

• A stopwatch

• A smooth straight track (or a long straight table)

• A toy car or any other object for motion

• Chalk or markers

• Graph paper

Theory: Motion in a straight line is one-dimensional motion where an object moves along a straight path. Key concepts include:

1. Displacement (x): Change in position of the object.

2. Velocity (v): Rate of change of displacement.

3. Acceleration (a): Rate of change of velocity.

Formulae:

1. Average Velocity (v) = Δx / Δt

2. Instantaneous Velocity (v) = dx / dt

3. Average Acceleration (a) = Δv / Δt

4. Instantaneous Acceleration (a) = dv / dt

5. Kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion:

   • v = v₀ + at

   • x = v₀t + (1/2)at²

   • v² = v₀² + 2ax

Procedure:

1. Set up the straight track and mark equal distances (0 m, 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, etc.).

2. Place the toy car at the starting point (0 m).

3. Release the car without pushing (let it roll naturally).

4. Start the stopwatch as the car begins to move.

5. Note the time at each marked distance.

6. Repeat the experiment thrice for accuracy and take the average of the time readings.

7. Record the observations in a table.

8. Plot a distance-time graph.

9. Calculate velocity and acceleration using the recorded values and the formulae.

Observations: Record the distance and time readings in a table as follows:

Distance (m)	Time (s)	Average Time (s)	Velocity (m/s)	Acceleration (m/s²)

Calculations:

1. Calculate the average time for each distance.

2. Determine the velocity using the formula v = Δx / Δt.

3. Calculate acceleration using the formula a = Δv / Δt.

Graph: Plot a distance-time graph and velocity-time graph using the values obtained.

Result:

1. The calculated average velocity is ______.

2. The calculated average acceleration is ______.

3. The distance-time graph is a straight line (if uniform motion).

Precautions:

1. Ensure the track is smooth and straight.

2. Avoid any external push to the object.

3. Start and stop the stopwatch accurately.

Conclusion: The experiment verifies the concepts of motion in a straight line and helps in understanding displacement, velocity, and acceleration practically.