Linear Air Track
Linear Air Track
Air track is a perforated rail which is connected to an air blower. Compressed air is sprayed from the holes and forms a thin layer on the surface of the track. This layer fills the space between the air track and the inner surface of a glider. As a result, the movement of the glider can be regarded as almost friction-free. This apparatus can be used to experimentally study important concepts in kinematics such as velocity, acceleration, momentum, collisions, and kinetic energy. It is an ideal teaching aid for physics. In this experiment, we provide students with an opportunity to explore some of these ideas through experiments that they can devise on their own.
Scope of Learning
To study the linear motion under virtually frictionless conditions.
To study the elastic and inelastic collision.
To study the concept of velocity.
To study the concept of accelerations.
To study the conservation of momentum & energy.
To study the dependency of mass ratio to kinetic energy.
Triangular section track made of aluminium with perforations. An inlet cover is given at one of the ends, which is connected to hose of an air blower. The gliders move on an air cushion thus minimizing friction.
Apparatus is used for performing experiments to investigate law of motion, speed, acceleration, and momentum. Digital Timer with two photogates alongwith various accessories are used for conducting all experiments.
