Mathematical Predictions in Physics

Juniors in Mr. Leveton's physics class used Newton’s Second Law of Motion to mathematically predict the angle of an incline that a cart slides down. Students used their previous knowledge of kinematics along with Newton’s laws to first calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction between the cart and the incline it slides down. With this value, they were then able to predict the angle of the slope. Finally, they used their protractors to measure the actual angle of the incline and compared their predictions with this true value. The students proved their genius in the end; most groups were within 5% error and some were even within 1%! Way to go!

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