Chris Yi

Period 1 Physics HN

Leahy

Loopty Loop Lab Problem: What conditions must be met for a marble to travel through a track with one vertical and one horizontal loop? What role does friction play? Hypothesis: The first loop must be vertical and taller than the second horizontal loop to allow for enough energy and the marble must be dropped from a substantial height to overcome the force of friction. Materials: Foam track Meter stick One marble Tape

Procedure: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tape the foam track to the wall, allowing ample height for the marble to travel. Manipulate the foam to create one vertical loop. Create a horizontal loop at ground level. Record the height of the entire track, the height of the first loop, and the horizontal distance of the entire track. 5. Drop the marble from a low drop point. Observe and record the height from the drop point to the start of the track. 6. Repeat step five only with a high drop point. Results: All attempts using low drop points (.6, .5, .4 m, etc.) failed to allow the marble to complete the track. However, when we dropped the marble from the height of 1.2 m, we were successful. Calculations: Equations Ug=mgh Ugo=mgho Ugo-Ug=w w=fdcosteta

Potential energy at the drop point: Ug= (.001 g)(9.8)(1.2 m) = .01176 J

Chris Yi

Period 1 Physics HN

Leahy

Potential energy at vertical loop: Ug = (.001 g)(9.8)(.508) = .0049784 J W = .01176 - .0049784 = .0067816 Force of friction: 0.0067816=F(1.84)cos(180) F=-0.00369 N Conclusion: The hypothesis was incorrect because friction affected the velocity of the marble and that was not taken into account. Because of the force of friction, the loops could be lower than the drop point and still not work successfully. The work done by friction greatly affected if the track could be completed or not. Summary of Data: The lowest drop point that we found that was successful took the force of friction into account, so the data from that test could be used to find the work of the track and the system. By using the results calculated from the test, the force of friction was able to be found. Real Life Applications: The concepts used in the lab could be applied when creating a blueprint for a real rollercoaster or a skate park, like in the mini-lab. By finding the force of friction, a ride or park that is safe and will not cause accidents is possible. Possible Errors: The foam track could have moved because of the marble, the accuracy of measuring the height where the marble had been previously dropped from could be off, or the measurement of the loops could have been inaccurate.