Tickertape Graphing Excersise

Introduction
This exercise is designed to teach students both working scientifically and spreadsheet/graphing skills, but also forces. By doing this, students will get to see first hand how forces and motion can be calculated through excel (or google sheets or the school's preferred web apps). Students will be walked through step-by-step how to do the first graph and then will be expected to create the second graph themselves, giving them a chance to both learn the knowledge and have a way of showcasing their new skills

Instructions
The following is an example of the prac worksheet:
Aim: To investigate the motion of a trolley rolling down a ramp. Data for the motion

will be collected using a ticker timer, and graphs of displacement against time and

velocity against time will be plotted.

Equipment:

Ticker timer

Ticker tape

Power pack (set to 10 V AC)

Connecting wires

Dynamics trolley

Ramp

Adhesive tape

Method: Connect the ticker timer to the power pack using the connecting wires.

Check that the ticker timer vibrates when switched on. Thread a piece of ticker tape

about 2 m long through the timer, ensuring that it passes underneath the carbon

paper.

Attach a trolley to the end of the ticker tape using adhesive tape. Place the timer at

the top of the ramp, and release the trolley so that the tape can pass freely through

the ticker timer as it rolls. Start the timer, and allow the trolley to roll down the

ramp. Stop the timer.

The time between each of the dots is 1/50 of a second (0.02 seconds).

start

     

Draw a line through the first clear dot, then every fifth dot after that. There should

be five spaces per section. This represents a time of 5 x 0.02 = 0.1 seconds.

Measure the distance travelled by the rolling trolley from the start to each line . Fill

your values for time and distance into a table like the one shown over the page.

Construct a table of your results in a new spreadsheet


Get Excel to save you some time by automatically calculating the speed for you.

Double check your values with a calculator to compare to excel's calculations.

Using Excel, plot graphs of displacement from start against time and velocity against

time. Use X-Y scatter charts. Make your graphs large, and reduce the font on the

axes to a small size.


Questions relating to analysing the data and effectiveness of the experiment will follow with a full prac write up.


Syllabus Dotpoints
SC5-10PW applies models, theories and laws to explain situations involving energy, force and motion

PW2 The motion of objects can be described and predicted using the laws of physics. (ACSSU229)
b. explain qualitatively the relationship between distance, speed and time
c. relate acceleration qualitatively to a change in speed and/or direction as a result of a net force
d. analyse qualitatively everyday situations involving motion in terms of Newton's laws

WS5.1 Students identify data to be collected for an investigation by:
b. explaining why certain types of information need to be collected in a range of investigation types
c. selecting possible sources of data, including secondary sources, relevant to the investigation
d. justifying why variables need to be kept constant if reliable first-hand data is to be collected in controlled experiments

SC5-6WS undertakes first-hand investigations to collect valid and reliable data and information, individually and collaboratively

WS6 Students conduct investigations by:
b. safely constructing, assembling and manipulating identified equipment
d. using appropriate units for measuring physical quantities
e. reporting data and information, evidence and findings, with accuracy and honesty
f. evaluating the effectiveness of the planned procedure, considering risk factors and ethical issues, and suggesting improvements as appropriate

SC5-7WS processes, analyses and evaluates data from first-hand investigations and secondary sources to develop evidence-based arguments and conclusions

WS7.1 Students process data and information by:
a. selecting and using a variety of methods to organise data and information including diagrams, tables, models, spreadsheets and databases
d. applying numerical procedures and mathematical concepts and using digital technologies, where appropriate
f. describing specific ways to improve the quality of the data

WS7.2 Students analyse data and information by:
a. analysing patterns and trends, including identifying inconsistencies in data and information (ACSIS169, ACSIS203)
b. describing relationships between variables
c. assessing the validity and reliability of first-hand data