Rhea Khosla Physics Lab

Investigation of the relationship between angle of skateboarding ramp and horizontal displacement covered by a jump from a skateboard ramp

Research Question: Investigation of the relationship between angle of skateboarding ramp and horizontal displacement covered by a jump from a skateboard ramp Hypothesis: As the angle is increased , the horizontal distance travveled by the skater decreases. This is because as the angle increases, the slant of the ramp becomes steeper and as a result more work has to be done against gravity in order to climb the ramp, thus a greater proportion of total energy is consumed in this actitivity eachtime the angle is increased, consequently resulting in lesser and lesser enrgy left for covering the horizontal distance. Variables: Independent The angle which ramp makes with the ground, (angle , )

Dependent The distance jumped from the ramp (distance a )

Controlled The length of the ramp Vertical displacement Surface of ground (kept even) Wind velocity is constant Launch velocity of skateboarder Environmental conditions (temperature constant) Surface of ramp (kept even ) Smoothness of ramp

Materials required: 1-wooden ramp (100 -500 m) 1- protractor (large size) 15 wooden planks Drilling machine

Rhea Khosla

Procedure: 1. The experiment should be conducted as climatically stable area as possible, preferably a huge hallway so as to control essential variables of environmental conditions . Controlling wind velocity results least alterations in wind to alter the trajectory of skateboarder while controlling air temperature helps maintain consistency in the amount of air resistance encountered by skateboarder, which as per the hypothesis is a vital reason for difference in horizontal displacement. 2. After having selected an appropriate area, place the ramp at approximately 1/2 length of room in order to allow for a good launch distance and skating distance. 3. Set the angle of the ramp with the ground at 30 using a protractor in order fix the ramps slant position, support it with a wooden plank attached to the upper edge of the ramp, perpendicular to the ground. The wooden plank would need to be drilled in order to fit the new perpendicular height of ramp each time the angle is changed. 4. Mark the point of intersection of wooden plank with ground as 0.0m. 5. Mark up a position 100 m away from the ramp for the skateboarder to take his run-up. 6. Have a speed-o-meter connected to data logger which records the speed as skateboarder goes up the ramp.In the same manner so that no extra force is given that will alter the initial velocity of the marble

Saftey precautions Conduct the drilling under an adults supervision. Do not set ramp to 80-90 as that would lead to the skateboarder flying straight up. Cover the area after the ramp with a carpet in order to prevent any injuries of a poorly executed jump.

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