Aim: The goal is to investigate the effect of altering the launch surface on which a margarine tub is placed on its stopping time. Variables can be changed and include:mass, which influences the weight of the tub and the pressure it exerts on the surface. A heavier mass results in increased pressure, causing the tub to slow down more due to increased contact with particles/fibers. The second variable is surface roughness, with smoother surfaces resulting in longer sliding times. This is due to decreased friction and fewer particles/fibers interacting with the base of the tub.
The speed at which a margarine tub moves, also known as thrust, directly impacts its rate of deceleration. If the tub is propelled faster, it will take longer to come to a stop because it must slow down from a higher velocity. Additi
...onally, the size of the tub affects how quickly it slows down due to its contact surface area with the running surface and resulting friction. While increasing the surface area does not increase friction itself, it provides more space for friction to act upon and leads to slower deceleration. This study will examine various textures on running surfaces but only evaluate changes that directly affect the movement of the margarine tub.
For my test, I will measure the distance between the front of the tub when it is pulled back into the elastic band and when it stops. The Mass, Thrust, and Size of the tub will remain the same to maintain simplicity and reliability of results. My prediction is that a rougher surface will result in a smaller stopping distance. This is because a rough surface causes more resistance
on the base of the tub, leading to more friction and faster deceleration.
This occurs due to the presence of numerous bumps in contact with the base of the tub. These bumps collide and sometimes interlock causing the tub to come to a halt faster. A smooth surface without sticking bumps/fibres would cause the tub to slow down less. The experiment requires a stool as a base, an elastic band for propulsion, a tape measure to gauge distance, a margarine tub as the object to propel over various surfaces (including Soft Carpet, Rough Carpet, Lino, Perspex, Polished Wood, Sandpaper and wood), and a Newton Meter to maintain consistent tension of 10N. The stopping distance will be measured in centimeters from the front edge of the stool to the back of the tub for fair testing.
Instructions:
- Set up the equipment as shown below
- Choose a surface and note which one you have chosen
- Lay down the surface and prepare the tub for launch
- Place the tub in the centre of the elastic band and pull it back until it reaches the pre-set line for launching
- Release the tub when ready and allow it to come to a complete stop after traveling some distance along the surface
- Obtain a measuring device such as a metre stick or tape measure and measure the distance from the front of the stool to the back of the tub
- Record this distance next to the surface and repeat the same test 1 or 2 more times
- Once you have 2 results for that test, change the surface and repeat the process
We will take precautions to ensure that nobody is in the firing
line of the tub in order to avoid hitting anyone. The experiment poses little danger.
We will conduct the experiment on the floor instead of on a desk to minimize the risk of it striking someone. Additionally, we will ensure that the elastic band isn't overly extended to prevent any unintentional snapping and subsequent contact with individuals.
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