P201 Lab 2: Motion with Uniform Acceleration
Equipment List
Format: Item Name (Location)
  1. Air track (34A, 35A, 36A, 37A)
  2. Red Air Track Glider (40D and 40E)
  3. Timing Gates (46B)
  4. Aux. Photo-Gate (46D, 46E)
  5. Timing Gate DC Power supply (45D)
Lab Setup and Diagnostic Help Section
Equipment needed for this lab can be seen here.  You will need a red air track glider, a photogate timer, a photogate, and the DC power supply for the photogate timer.
I've found the best way to get stable results is to position the photogate timer as shown.  Have the base positioned such that it is underneath the air track.
This is the connection for the auxiliary photo gate.

You'll notice that it is a 1/4" stereo plug connection.
This is what the completed setup looks like when viewed on end.

Your completed setup should look similar to above.
Now we put a glider on the track.

If the glider moves of its own accord (without you pushing on it) one of two things is happening:
1) The Air track is tilted (see below)
2) The air track is level, but the friction due to the air jets is causing the glider to move.

#2 is unavoidable and is the case when the glider moves VERY slowly.  #1 is the most likely case.
If the glider moves on its own, adjust this screw on the bottom to level the air track.  Do not adjust this screw down until the glider stops, because you've gone too far, adjust this screw until the glider stops ACCELERATING (which is hard to eyeball).

The trick here is to adjust the screw 3 turns, stop the glider and release it.  If it moves somewhat fast, rinse and repeat.

Now your lab is setup.  Read the manual and things will work out.
Based on P201 Lab manual last revised on 12/4/00  ISBN: 1565819748