Students studying potential and kinetic energy designed this experimental set-up. During the initial trial, a ball was rolled down a ramp fro the spot marked "start". The ball rolled down the ramp and then back up the other side, to the spot marked "finish", represented by letter B. The students want to determine the starting point so that the ball will rise up to the point marked by letter A. They release the ball starts at the spot marked "New start" and the ball rolls up the other side to letter A.
This is a controlled experiment. All BUT ONE factor is controlled in this experiment. What is that factor?
A. ball used in trials
B. distance between ramps
C. starting point of release
D. angles of incline for ramps ****
Can someone check this?
To determine the factor that is not controlled in this experiment, let's go through each option:
A. Ball used in trials: The type of ball used in the trials can be controlled by selecting the same ball for each trial. Therefore, this factor can be controlled.
B. Distance between ramps: If the distance between ramps remains the same for each trial, this factor is controlled.
C. Starting point of release: In this experiment, the starting point of release was changed from the spot marked "start" to the spot marked "New start" to ensure that the ball reaches the desired point, A. Therefore, the starting point of release is controlled.
D. Angles of incline for ramps: The only factor that is not controlled in this experiment is the angles of incline for the ramps. The ramps were inclined at different angles to allow the ball to reach different points. Changing the angles of incline affects the potential and kinetic energy of the ball as it rolls down the ramp, ultimately impacting whether it can reach point A or not.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. Angles of incline for ramps.
I agree, given that changing the incline would involve rebuilding the ramps, or at least having adjustable ramps, which was not mentioned.
Of course, no mention was made of changing the balls, but I would assume the same ball was used for all the trials, but that could easily be a controlled factor.