The Affect of Mass on Velocity and
Acceleration on an Inclined Plane
Autumn Nobles
Introduction
The question is important because theoretically, the
mass should not affect velocity and acceleration.
However, friction in the real world causes this to not
be true. I wanted to test this to see how different the
experimental and theoretical values were.
Conclusions
After gathering data from the trials, I found the
average velocity of Ball 1 to be 1.84m/s and the
acceleration to be 4.18m/s^2. Ball two’s average
velocity was 1.8 m/s, and its acceleration was
4m/s^2. I believe the numbers are so similar because
the balls were ball bearings that were very slick with
very little friction. Also because energy and
momentum were conserved. The PE at the top of the
ramp and the KE at the bottom of the ramp are equal.
Momentum is also conserved inside this system
which depends on mass and velocity. Therefore,
even though one ball is heavier, they still have the
same momentum and reach the bottom at the same
time
Research Question
RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2012
www.PosterPresentations.co
m
Time 2(Ball 2)
0.47
0.46
TIME
How does mass affect the velocity and acceleration
on an inclined plane?
The independent variable in this experiment is the
mass of the two balls, .0217kg and .0657kg. The
dependent variable is the velocity and acceleration.
The procedure requires a board, two balls of
different masses, two photogates, a meterstick, and a
LabQuest. One photogate will be placed at the top of
the board and one at the bottom. Each ball will be
rolled down the board 15 times each time measuring
the time it takes the ball to reach the end. Analyze
and compare the velocity and acceleration of the two
balls.
Time(Ball 1)
0.45
0.44
0.43
0.42
0
5
10
15
20
TRIAL
References
https://pisci.wikispaces.com/How+Mass+Affects+The+Rate+of+Acceleration+
and+Momentum+When+Rolling+Down+a+Ramp+and+Then+Falling+Onto+t
he+Floor