Next class, we will begin a new formal lab. Hooray!
We will be comparing techniques for measuring speeds of motorized cars:
- photogate timer
An electronic timer with a light-gate - the timer records the amount of time for the object (car) to pass through the light beam. The speed can be determined from that time and the width of the object.
- ticker tape timer
An electric timer that has paper tape pass through it. It "clicks" 10 times per second and leaves a black dot on the paper tape. The time between dots is 0.1 seconds. By graphing the dots, the speed can be determined.
- stopwatch
Similar to what we just did in the informal lab.
Your task will be to compare the methods by percent different and try to judge which you think gives a more realistic picture of the car's speed.
Your homework - formulate a hypothesis: Which method do you think is most accurate? How will you know which is accurate?
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