EXP #3 PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY REPORT

Abstract
The goal of this lab is to determine an appropriate method of describing motion. This chosen
method, velocity, allows the observer to make statements and conclusions regarding different
aspects of an objects motion. Utilizing a Hot-Wheels car, the observer will measure the velocity
of the car, as it moves along the track, using four different methods: 1. Measuring average
velocity with eye-hand coordination, 2. Measuring average velocity using two photogates, 3.
Measuring instantaneous velocities at two locations and then averaging the two values, 4.
Measuring instantaneous velocity at a single location. The experimental data indicates that the
average velocity of the car is 188.680.4 cm/sec and the instantaneous velocities are
169.3331.25 cm/sec, 197.443.333 cm/sec, and 183.392.29 cm/sec respectively. A larger
collection of multiple data suggests that the average velocity of the car is 201.8140.7958 cm/sec
and the instantaneous velocities are 185.65723.4218 cm/sec, 215.7284.6666 cm/sec, and
207.2283.548 cm/sec respectively. Overall, all results assist the observer in developing a more
concrete understanding of velocity, both average and instantaneous.
Introduction
This lab allows the observer to describe an objects motion by calculating average and
instantaneous velocity. Average velocity, or Vaverage, is calculated by finding the average time the
car takes to travel a distance, d, from B to C. The formula Vaverage V = is used to find the
average velocity, where d is 1000.01 cm and t is the average time calculated from three trials.
The uncertainty, V, is calculated by calculating the largest difference between the computed
average time t and any one of the trial values. The instantaneous velocities are calculated in a
similar way, but utilize either LB, length of the flag-width, or LC, length of the car, respectively.

EXP #3 PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY REPORT

The two formulas are Vat c VC =

and Vat B VB =

. This lab allows the observer to both

visualize and calculate velocity and therefore develop a complete understanding of the concept.
Conclusion
The results from this lab assert that velocity is distance over time, and that there is a difference
between average velocity and instantaneous velocity. Average velocity represents the change in
location over the time required to make that change. Instantaneous velocity represents the
velocity at both a specific time and location. It is important to note that although both values can
work independently, an examination and consideration of values allows for a more complete and
thorough understanding of a given objects motion. The average velocity gives and overview of
the general motion of the object and instantaneous velocity provides the observer a closer indepth view of a single moment during the motion of the object.