Force & Motion Scientific Exploration

Purpose: To observe and record the motion of selected objects when acted upon by unbalanced
forces such as gravity, friction, and pushes. The goal of this exploration is to choose the one
object that will be used in the rest of the scientific trials.
Materials:
Stopwatch masking tape
Measuring tape, stick, ruler triple beam balance
Hard flat object for a ramp weights/grams/masses if needed
3-5 objects

Variables:
Independent = 3-5 different objects
Dependent = mass: 1500kg distance: 1 ft time: Less than an hour
Constants= ramp height: 8 inches
Floor surface: Wood
Ramp material: wood
Procedure:
1. Set up the ramp at a fixed angle and measure its height. This may need to change
depending on how your objects behave at the bottom.
2. Find the mass of the object using your balance. Record on a data table.
3. Next place to object at the top of the ramp.
4. Start the stopwatch as soon as the object starts to roll.
5. Stop the stopwatch when the object stops moving. It cannot hit anything in the process.
6. Measure how far it traveled. Record on a data table.
7. Record the time on the stopwatch.
8. Using the same object, repeat the trial 4 more times.
9. Calculate the displacement for the object (▲d). Formulas are on the table page.
10.Repeat steps 2-8 for your remaining objects.

***Optional: You may attach pictures of the object you chose and your ramp setup. ***

Object #1: A ball Mass (g) 58g

Trial # Distance (m, cm) Time (s) ▲d (displacement)
1
2
3
4
5

▲d(displacement) = d2(ending distance from table) – d1( beginning distance which

should be 0)
What type of motion did you observe as the object moved down the ramp? Circle your answer?
Rotational Translational Both

Object #2: A mouse cursor Mass (g) 120 g

Trial # Distance (m, cm) Time (s) ▲d
(displacement)
1
2
3
4
5

▲d(displacement) = d2(ending distance from table) – d1( beginning distance which

should be 0)
What type of motion did you observe as the object moved down the ramp? Circle your answer?
Rotational Translational Both

Object #3: A tambourine Mass (g)

Trial # Distance (m, cm) Time (s) ▲d (displacement)
1
2
3
4
5

▲d(displacement) = d2(ending distance from table) – d1( beginning distance which

should be 0)
What type of motion did you observe as the object moved down the ramp? Circle your answer?
Rotational Translational Both

Object #4: _________________________ Mass (g) _______________

Trial # Distance (m, cm) Time (s) ▲d (displacement)
1
2
3
4
5

▲d(displacement) = d2(ending distance from table) – d1( beginning distance which

should be 0)
What type of motion did you observe as the object moved down the ramp? Circle your answer?
Rotational Translational Both

Object #5: _________________________ Mass (g) _______________

Trial # Distance (m, cm) Time (s) ▲d (displacement)
1
2
3
4
5
▲d(displacement) = d2(ending distance from table) – d1( beginning distance which
should be 0)
What type of motion did you observe as the object moved down the ramp? Circle your answer?
Rotational Translational Both

Whew! That was some work. Now using the data you collected, answer the following
questions.
1. Which object traveled the farthest? ______________________________
Why do you think it was able to do that compared to the other objects?

2. Which object stopped the fastest? _______________________________

Why do you think it did that?

3. Were there any objects that just wouldn’t cooperate? For instance, ran into walls,
wouldn’t roll straight.
4. Looking at the shape of the objects, is there a clue why?

5. Which object did you choose to use for the rest of the activities? Why?

6. Do you think the mass of the objects made them travel farther and/or faster? Why?