Physics Laboratory Activity #1a Measurement of Speed Free

The purpose of the laboratory activity is to determine the average speed of a toy car moving with constant speed, and to compare the average speed to the final speed of the car.

1. Set up a table so that a toy car travels at a slow but constant speed across the table.

2. Mark a distance on the table, and measure this marked distance.

3. Turn the toy car on and then place it on the stating line. Run the toy car across the table, and measure the time interval for the toy car to travel marked distance across the table.

4. Determine the speed of the toy car using these data.

5. Place a photogate near the end of the table as shown in the diagram. Attach a small card (e.g., a 3 by 5 card) to the toy car. This card should be attached so it will pass through the photogate. The photogate can then measure the time interval for the card to pass through the photogate. Measure the length of the card. Start the toy car at the same point as in step 3, but this time use the photogate to measure the time. From this new data, determine the speed of the toy car as it goes through the photogate near the end of the table.