1G20.80 Cart and Elastic Band

Place an accelerometer (just a clear bottle with water inside it; the water level indicates acceleration) on a cart and attach a rubber band to one end. Push the cart down the bench while keeping the rubber band attached to a rod; notice that after you stop pushing the acceleration from the spring remains approximately constant and in the same direction.

It is recommended not to push on the cart too hard while giving it an impulse; else the water will slosh around, and it will be hard to observe the constant acceleration.

A cart rests at one end of a 1.2-m track. A rectangular bottle, three-quarters full of water and capped, is strapped to the cart with rubber bands. The bottle is set with its largest side facing the camera, allowing a clear view of the water's level. Two hands hold the cart, clearly ready to provide a gentle forward impulse to the cart. Not visible in this photograph is a long rubber band which connects the back of the cart to the nearest end stop.

Location: Vernier Track Wall of Row A, Vernier Cart E4-3, Water Accelerometer E4-3, Rubber Bands DE-5, Rectangular Mass FG-8