Lego robot experiment
We experimented with the Lego Windstorm and learned how to operate it. We had to measure the distance that the wheels moved. In order to do that, first, we measured the circumference of the wheel itself. Then, we used a ruler by the robot to measure the distance the wheel traveled. The program had a predetermined projection. This project was conducted in three different levels and each level had a different power capacity. After all the levels were completed, we compared our findings throughout the experiment with the projected results. The results were interesting and somewhat different in specific numbers. We also calculated the margin and percentage of error each time.
Newton pulley experiment
This experiment was about exploring Newton’s 2nd law, which states the acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
We used the Lego robot to see how each of these elements changes when one of the other ones also changed. The Lego robot had a string through a puller that carried it. Every time it would come to a stop, we would measure the different factors. This was a very interesting and eye-opening experiment because it put Newton’s theories into action and enabled us to physically grasp and witness the results. It is essential to have a physical lab experiment to go along with the scientific theories to not only understand the science, but also examine different variables.
Shake generator experiment
This experiment involved using a shake generator. The shake generator has a tube with coils and we were shaking a mobile magnet inside it to generate a current. We shook the generator for several seconds in different trials. What changed in each trial was the actual number of shakes within the given time set of shaking. Then, we examined the voltage in each different trial to see how it changed with different shakes. The result was consistent with Faraday’s law, the voltage increased when the magnetic influx increased. Therefore, more shakes created more voltage.