I'd vote for the carts with metal tracks. We use the Pasco product. For conservation of momentum, carefull students will get a %Error of less than 5%. I think the vernier tracks can be expanded to be used as an optics bench. However, I think Pasco sells some less expensive carts (as well as some more expensive carts).
With Air tracks you would need an additional power source and ear-plugs.
Paul Lulai
Physics Teacher & Online Learning Coordinator
St. Anthony Village Senior High
Saint Anthony Village, MN
55418
(w) 612-706-1144
(fax) 612-706-1020
plulai@stanthony.k12.mn.us
-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu on behalf of David Abineri
Sent: Mon 12/4/2006 6:30 PM
To: phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
Subject: [Phys-l] ADVICE ON LAB EQUIPMENT
I am looking in to purchasing either air tracks OR low friction carts
(as supplied by places like Vernier) and wonder if anyone in the group
can offer advice on the better way to go (or if other options should be
considered). I am interested in how well one can investigate Newton's
Laws and conservation of momentum at the very least with such
equipment. What kind of results are you getting with either of these
and what would you recommend?