1C20.75 - Fan Carts

Code Number:
1C20.75
Demo Title:
Fan Carts
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Acceleration, Force, and Friction
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Pasco Track, Fan Carts.
Procedure:

NOTE: The fan carts are in the 1H10.20 demo box. 

Level the PASCO track.  Turn the fan cart to "high" and place it so that the wind is going go blow in the opposite direction that you are going to push the cart.  Give it a gentle push down the track so that the fan cart goes down the track, slows down, eventually stops, and the reverses direction and comes back to you.  Video the motion for in class analysis.  You will need an App for that!!

 

References:
  • Joseph El-Helou, Calvin S. Kalman, "Activities to Help High School Students Understand Newton's Second Law of Motion", TPT, Vol. 62, #4, April 2024, p. 305.
  • Steve Brehmer, "Fan Carts:  Measuring Fan Force and Friction", TPT, Vol. 62, #3, March 2024, p. 234.


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