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This lab was based on the relationship between Kinetic energy and Potential energy. KE=PE. KE=mv^2/2 and PE=mgh. We also know that X=at^2/2 and X= vt. Using these equations, we can find out how far the weight will fly when it hits the scalpel pinned in between the desks. We know that the weight's mass is 500 grams or .5 kgs. This is m. 9.8, the gravity constant, is g. The h number is the height from the top of the second desk to the ground. We put this number of total PE equal to the number of total KE. We can then find the velocity that the weight will travel at when the string is cut. Using the X=at^2/2 equation, we can find time. The X number is the distance from the scalpel to the floor, or the distance the weight will fall. The a number is 9.8 because gravity is the acceleration working on the weight. Using these numbers, you can find t. You can then fill in v and t into the eqation X=vt to estimate the distance the weight would fly. Our estimate were far off at first, but after some revisions, they were perfect. |