Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley.
Measuring instantaneous speed practical (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A dynamics trolley speeds up (accelerates) along the whole length of a steep ramp.
- Instantaneous speed is the average speed over a very short time period.
- Instantaneous speed can be estimated by measuring movement in a small time period.
- Anomalous readings should be repeated and replaced or removed from sets of repeat readings.
Common misconception
When the trolley is released it speeds up quickly at the start and then rolls at a constant speed.
Show a video of an accelerating trolley in slow motion identifying the distance travelled in successive equal intervals of time.
Keywords
Dynamics trolley - A dynamics trolley is a wheeled object used in experiments. It moves very smoothly over flat surfaces.
Average speed - The average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time for a journey.
Instantaneous speed - The instantaneous speed of an object is the speed at a particular moment in time.
Anomalous reading - An anomalous reading is a result which is significantly outside the pattern in a set of results.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
the total distance travelled divided by the time taken
the speed of an object at a particular moment
a wheeled object used in motion experiments
a result which does not fit the pattern of a set of results