Engineering Mechanics: EM-L
OPEN ENDED LAB
Submitted by:
Muhammad Hamza (2023-AU-14)
Ali Hussain Cheema (2023-AU-17)
Abdul Nafay (2023-AU-28)
Supervisor
Engr. Usman Sheikh
Department of Automotive Engineering
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.
Objective: To investigate the Effect of Incline Steepness on Speed, acceleration
and velocity of different objects.
Apparatus:
1. Steep Ramp
2. Ruler or measuring tape
3. Protractor
4. Stop Watch
5. Toy Car
Theory:
In this experiment, we focuses on the relationship between the height of an
inclined plane and the speed of a toy car rolling down. As the height increases, the
gravitational force acting on the car also increases, leading to the greater
acceleration down the slope.
According to the Newton’s second law of motion, the force exerted on the
toy car is directly proportional to its mass and acceleration. So, with a greater
height, the car experiences a greater force and accelerates much rapidly. As the toy
car accelerates down the incline, the conversion of gravitational potential energy
into kinetic energy results in an increase in its speed.
By systematically varying the height of the incline plane and measuring the
resulting speeds of the toy car, we can analyze the relationship between incline
steepness and toy car speed.
Diagram:
Procedure:
1. First off all note the height of a ramp of 20 cm using a measuring tape.
2. Ensure that the object has almost no friction.
3. Hold the object on the top of the ramp at the start line.
4. Simultaneously start the stop clock and release the object (don’t exert any
forces on the object).
5. Stop the clock when the object reaches the finish line.
6. Record multiple readings and take average.
7. Now change the height of the inclined plane to 25cm and 30cm, repeat the
readings.
Observations and Calculations:
Velocity
Potential Energy at the top = Kinetic energy at the bottom
1. Velocity of (20 cm = 0.2 m) height ramp, g = 9.8 m/s2 (constant)
v = √ 2 x 9.8 x 0.2
v = 1.98 m/s
2. Velocity of (25 cm = 0.25 m) height ramp, g = 9.8 m/s2 (constant)
v = √ 2 x 9.8 x 0.25
v = 2.21 m/s
3. Velocity of (30 cm = 0.3 m) height ramp, g = 9.8 m/s2 (constant)
v=
v=
Speed
Speed = Distance / Time
The Distance is m and the average of m height
Speed =
Speed =
Repeating the same formula to calculate the speed on other heights.
Acceleration
When the height at and velocity =
Acceleration (a) = (vf-vi) / t
a=
a=
Repeating the same formula to calculate the acceleration on other heights.
Observations:
No. Height t1 t2 t3 Average Speed Acceleration Velocity Theo- Pract- %
of of the (s) (s) (s) Time (m/s) (m/s2) (m/s) ratical ical error
obs. Ramp (s)
(m)
1.
2.
3.
4. Angle
Calculating the angle inclination by using trigonometry.
Tan θ = opposite / adjacent
θ = -tan (opposite / adjacent)
1. Height = and length =
θ = -tan (/)
θ=
2. Height = and length =
θ = -tan (/)
θ=
3. Height = and length =
θ = -tan (/)
θ=
Height of the ramp (m) Angle of Inclination (Degrees)
Comments:
As students researching a project on inclination, we are excited to explore how
speed, velocity, and acceleration change when the height of inclination varies. This
project offers a great opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-world
scenarios.
By investigating how different objects move on inclined planes, I'll gain a deeper
understanding of the relationships between speed, velocity, and acceleration. I'll be
able to analyze how the angle of inclination affects the motion of objects, which is
crucial in various fields like engineering, physics, and transportation.
Some potential objects I might study include:
- Marbles or balls rolling down ramps
- Toy cars on inclined tracks
- Water flowing down chutes or pipes
- Inclined planes with varying angles
By collecting data on the speed, velocity, and acceleration of these objects at
different heights of inclination, I'll be able to:
- Identify patterns and correlations
- Develop graphs and charts to visualize the data
- Draw conclusions about how inclination affects motion
- Apply mathematical models to describe the relationships
This project will not only enhance my understanding of fundamental physics
concepts but also develop my critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis
skills. I'm eager to explore this topic and uncover the fascinating insights it holds!
We hope you like our project.
Thanks.