PocketLab on an Oscillating Cart
An oscillating cart with a PocketLab provides an interesting way to study Newton's Second Law of Motion as well as some principles of damped harmonic motion. The apparatus setup is shown in the figure below. The small dynamics cart that can quickly be made from parts included in the PocketLab Maker Kit is shown in its equilibrium position. Rubber bands are attached to each side of the cart and to two ring stands weighted down with some heavy books. It is best to use rubber bands that provide as small Newton/meter as possible. PocketLab is attached to the cart with its x-axis parallel t