Ben Robertson

10/10 As seen by the results of the experiment, the further the incline of the wooden plank was increased so were the forces enacted upon the car, proving that the hypothesis is correct. At 0.15 m high the average speed to the bottom of the plank was 1.43 seconds compared to the time taken at 0.2 metre which was 1.34 seconds a 0.09 second difference. At 0.25 metres the trolley took 1.10 seconds with a 0.24-time difference compared to 0.2m. at 0.15m the average velocity was 0.83m/s/s, compared to 0.2m with 0.89m/s/s and 0.25m with 1.09m/s/s, which is a clear increase in velocity. The average gravitational potential energy of the trolley was 0.88J at 0.15m, 1.18J at 02m and finally 1.47J at 0.25m, another clear increase. The kinetic energy of the trolley also increases with 0.207j at 0.15m, 0.238j at 0.2m and finally 0.357J at 0.25m. Evidently the experiment was a success as it clearly proved the hypothesis however improvements can always be made to ensure better data collection. Even though the experiment was a clear success there are a few variables that can be fixed to ensure a more accurate data set, if this experiment was to be repeated. One such variable was the surface the plank was held at, could have been more stable so that the trolleys mass did not affect the accuracy of the incline. Books and other flat objects could be used to achieve this stability. Another variable that can be changed to ensure better representation is having a range of different variables such as using planks and trolleys of varying weight too ensure that many alleyways are explored when investigating forces. Although the experiment was a success, these changes should be kept in mind when re-conducting. Conclusion It is evident that the higher an incline increases so do the forces enacted upon the trolley as it travels down the slope, such as speed, gravitational potential energy, velocity and kinetic energy. This can be seen with results where there’s a clear difference between 0.15m and 0.25m for speed which was 1.43 seconds and ended as 1.10 seconds at 0.25m. The velocity also increased from 0.83m/s/s at 0.15 and 1.09m/s/s at 0.25m. The gravitational potential energy increased from 0.88J at 0.15m to 1.47J at 0.25m and the kinetic energy increased from 0.207j at 0.15m to 0.357J at 0.25m. Evidently the hypothesis was clearly proven throughout the experiment, however changes can always be made to ensure better data representation. One way to ensure better data, is to have a more stable surface where the plank is held, and have varying independent variable to assess every carriable that could affect the forces on the trolley. Obviously, when planning roads and highways, or even making vehicles, the effects of the forces on the vehicle need to be considered carefully, to ensure that everyone is safe.