Name ________________________ Date ____________________

IB Physics 11 Lab #23

Period _____________ Mrs. Libretto
(75 pts)
Partner: Due Date ________________
(1 pt)
Personal Power Rating
Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to perform measurements capable of determining the vertical power rating
of your own legs in lifting your body up a flight of stairs.

Materials
 stopwatch  meter stick  other materials

Diagram
Draw and label the vertical forces present as a person climbs the stairs at a constant speed.
(4 pts)

Procedure
Discuss with your partner an appropriate method for collecting data.

Analysis
 Predict your average upward force as you climb the stairs at a constant speed. Show all work
using the GUESS method and the factor label method. (5 pts)

1
Data Collection
 Complete the following data table. Be sure to include the data for yourself and your partner. (25 pts)

Mass Distance Time

(kg) Force (m) Work (s) Power
Name Trial
(N) (J) (W)
± _______ ± _______ ± _______

Data Analysis
 In the space below, show TWO sample calculations for the work done using the GUESS
method. Show one calculation for your data and one calculation for your partner’s data.
(8 pts)

Name: Name:

2
  In the space below, show TWO sample calculations for the power output using the GUESS
method. Show one calculation for your data and one calculation for your partner’s data.
(8 pts)

Name: Name:

 Calculate the range, average and uncertainty in the average for both yourself and your
partner’s power rating. Show your work in the space below. (10 pts)

Name ______________________

Range Average Uncertainty

Experimental Value for Personal Power Rating = ____________ ± __________ Watts

Name ______________________

Range Average Uncertainty

Experimental Value for Personal Power Rating = ____________ ± __________ Watts

 In the space below, calculate for the average climbing speed for yourself and your partner
using the GUESS method. (8 pts)

Name: Name:

3
Conclusion
1. Summarize your results. What was your personal power rating? What was your partner’s personal
power rating? (2 pts)

2. Explain how the differences (or lack of) between your power ratings occurred. (2 pts)

3. What are at least two ways you could increase your power rating? (2 pts)