Plan the investigation
What students will do
Start with a guided comparison, then plan an investigation, analyze a graph, and check a prediction.
- Compare masses. Use the same incline angle for several block masses and compare downhill acceleration.
- Design and collect. Choose a fixed mass and at least five angles. Plan how to measure acceleration while the block remains on the incline.
- Linearize the data. Use the angle dependence to choose graph quantities. Determine gravitational acceleration from the best-fit slope.
- Explain and predict. Evaluate an angle-doubling claim, then predict acceleration for an unused angle and test your model.
What students will learn
- Resolve gravity along an incline.
- Distinguish acceleration magnitude from its horizontal and vertical components.
- Test a trigonometric relationship with a straight-line graph.
Common misconception
Does doubling the incline angle double acceleration?
Students test how the downhill component of gravity depends on angle.