Physics 9702/52 — May/June 2016

A student is investigating the acceleration of a trolley moving up an inclined plane as shown in Fig. 1.1.

The student is investigating the relationship between the acceleration $a$ of the trolley and the angle $\theta$ of the inclined plane when a force $F$ is applied to the trolley.

It is suggested that the relationship is

where $g$ is the acceleration of free fall, $m$ is the mass of the trolley and $k$ is a constant.

Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between $a$ and $\theta$. Explain how your results could be used to determine a value for $k$. You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to

• the procedure to be followed,
• the measurements to be taken,
• the control of variables,
• the analysis of the data,
• any safety precautions to be taken.