A student uses a photogate to determine the speed of a glider on an air track. O

Question

A student uses a photogate to determine the speed of a glider on an air track. On top of the glider is a "flag" that is 10cm long. The photogate is positioned to measure the time that it takes the flag to pass through the photogate's infrared beam. If the flag is not aligned parallel to the air track, then from the prospective of the photogate, the flag will appear to be shorter than it really is. If the student does not realize that the flag on his glider is rotated 20 degrees away from the path of motion, what error will result from this improper alignment?

Explanation / Answer

You can use some simple trigonometry to help you answer this question.

If you imagine a triangle, with the glider at one of the corners, one side aligned along it's path, and the flag aligned along the hypoteneuse which is at 20

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.