Tumble Buggy without rubber track on the wheels, Pasco Dynamics Cart with friction attachment, 3 large weights for the Pasco Cart, block.
Tumble Buggy without rubber track on the wheels, Pasco Dynamics Cart with friction attachment, weights for the Pasco Cart, block under the track.
Pasco Dynamics Cart with friction attachment

 

Code Number: 1I10.42

Demo Title: Friction and Trains

Condition: Good

Principle: Trains and their physics

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Tumble Buggy without rubber track on the wheels, Pasco Dynamics Cart with friction attachment, 3 large weights for the Pasco Cart, block.

Procedure:

Connect the Tumble Buggy and the Pasco cart together and set the friction adjustment so that the Buggy will spin but not be able to pull the cart.  Then during the demonstration, you can reset the friction so that it is less and the Buggy (train) is able to move.  

Place the block under one end of the track and adjust the incline so that the system just moves down the incline as the Buggy is trying to pull it up the incline.  Take a weight off of the cart and place it across the front of the Buggy and observe that now the Buggy and cart system is able to move up the incline.

References:

  • James Lincoln, "Way Too Many Demos with the Constant Velocity Car", TPT, Vol. 60, #8, Nov. 2022, p. 710.
1I10.42 - Friction & Trains
1I10.42 - Friction and Trains - Inclined Track