Vernier Dynamics System User Manual

Vernier Dynamics

NOTE: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such
as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial
testing of any kind.

System

(Order Code VDS)

The Vernier Dynamics System consists of a 1.2 m
track, two carts, and related accessories. The system
is designed for use in physics and physical science
courses for motion and energy experiments. An optional Optics Expansion Kit
(Order code OEK) converts the track to an optics bench. An optional Track to Track
Coupler (Order code T2T-VDS) joins two tracks together. Some typical experiments
done with the system include

 Motion under zero acceleration
 Motion under constant acceleration with the ramp inclined
 Inelastic collisions using the included hook and pile tabs
 Elastic collisions using the included magnetic bumpers

The Vernier Dynamics System is designed for use with many data-collection tools,
such as the Vernier Motion Detector, Go! Motion, Vernier Photogates, and the
Vernier LabPro
computers, LabQuest App for LabQuest
EasyData

What is included with the Vernier Dynamics System?

The Vernier Dynamics System is shipped in two boxes. The long box contains the
track and feet, while the other box contains the remaining parts.

Long box marked TRACK

Track
Double foot stand (2)

Box marked VDS-KIT

Standard Cart with two magnets and foam plugs for included end caps and

Plunger Cart with two magnets and foam plugs for included end caps, hook

Rod clamp
Adjustable end stop with two magnets and foam plugs for included end caps
Photogate brackets (two)
Motion Detector bracket
Mass
Accessory mounting hardware
Hex wrench

®

interface. Appropriate software includes Logger Pro® for

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for calculators, and DataQuest™ with TI-Nspire™ Technology.

hook and pile tabs

and pile tabs

®

2 and LabQuest®, DataMate and Vernier

Carts

The Vernier Dynamics Carts are supplied with
magnets and hook and pile tabs. You may choose to
install either or both on your carts. Since the magnets
may interfere with certain experiments using force
sensors on the carts, only install the magnets if you
need them.

The magnets are useful in studying collisions with
the magnets positioned so that they are the same
polarity on both sides and on both carts. This way the carts will repel one another,
and you can arrange a collision in which the carts never actually touch. The collision
will be very nearly elastic, unlike a collision using a spring or any kind of contact.

To install magnets so that carts will repel one another, as well as the adjustable end
stop, use the following procedure.

1. Remove the teardrop from the cart end or the end stop.

2. Insert the silver magnet (supplied with the cart) into the teardrop, oriented so that
the outside of the teardrop will attract the south-pointing end of a compass
needle.

3. Insert a foam plug (supplied with the cart) into the teardrop.

4. Reinsert the tear drop into the cart end or the end stop, and fasten the screw.

If you like, test by holding the compass near the cart or stop, in the same position as
an approaching cart, and verify that the south-pointing end of the compass is
attracted to the cart.

Carts come with magnets, foam plugs, teardrop inserts, and a hex key to remove and
replace the screw holding the teardrop to the cart end. A magnetic compass is not
included.

The magnets can be removed at any time by reversing this process. Store the
magnets away from computers.

To study totally inelastic collisions, place hook and pile tabs on top of the
teardrop-shaped plugs. Looking at the end of the cart, place a hook pad on the
left-hand plug, and a pile tab on the right-hand side. Center the pad on the round part
of the plug. This way any cart with hook and pile tabs will stick to any other. Hook
and pile equipped carts will stick together, creating a totally inelastic collision.

One cart includes a spring-loaded plunger for collisions. To use the plunger,
simultaneously press the horizontal button above the plunger and press the plunger
in until it locks. To release, press on the pin from the top of the cart. The plunger
force can be adjusted. To adjust the plunger release force, rotate the plunger while it
is extended.

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Both the plunger and simple carts have a mass of 500 g. Adding accessories will
change the mass.

Photogate Bracket

Photogate brackets are attached to the side of the
track. With the nut loosely on the T-handled bolt,
slide the nut into the side channel of the track.
Attach the photogate using the supplied wing bolt
in the long slot. Adjust the gate height so the beam
intercepts the desired portion of the target.

Adjustable End Stop

The adjustable end stop slides into the end of
the track. Adjust the position as desired. Insert
magnets in the end stop if desired.

Motion Detector Bracket

Any Vernier Motion Detector with a hinged head can be attached to the supplied
Motion Detector Bracket. The Motion Detector Bracket has a pin to locate the
Motion Detector on the bracket. There is a knob, nut and bolt to attach the bracket to
the track underside, and a threaded hole at the end near the pin. To assemble, place
the Motion Detector with the back
end over the pin of the bracket. Insert
the screw through the slot into the
threaded insert on the detector with
the hinge toward the track, and
tighten. Insert the bracket into the slot
in the underside of the track as shown
in the photo. When the Motion
Detector is not attached to the
bracket, its mounting screw can be
stored in the threaded hole near the
pin.

Newer Vernier Motion Detectors (green or black case with
adjustable sensitivity) can be placed so that the sensor is 15 cm
from the end of the track. The carts can then be detected
properly all the way to the end. The track mode is appropriate
for the dynamics system.

Rod Clamp

The rod clamp is used to support the track with a
user-supplied ring stand. Insert the rod clamp nut
into the side of the track. Adjust the height as
desired.

Mounting Hardware

The supplied mounting hardware is used to
attach devices to the cart, such as a force
sensor, accelerometer, or mass. To attach a
Wireless Dynamics Sensor System (WDSS)
use the hardware supplied with that device.
The hex-head bolts may be attached to any
point along the slots in the cart, but the head
must be inserted in the flare region of the
slots. Tighten the threaded barrels on the
bolts.

Double Foot Stand

The double foot stand slides into the end of the
track, with the nut in the center slot of the track
underside. Adjust the height as desired. Install
the stands before attaching the motion detector
bracket.

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