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Newtons_Laws_Lab

The lab aims to validate Newton's Laws by exploring the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration through experiments using a dynamometer and a cart. Students will measure forces, calculate accelerations, and analyze data to understand how total mass affects motion, while comparing experimental results to theoretical predictions. The experiment includes graphing relationships and addressing potential sources of error to enhance precision.

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Leoespart YT
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12 views

Newtons_Laws_Lab

The lab aims to validate Newton's Laws by exploring the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration through experiments using a dynamometer and a cart. Students will measure forces, calculate accelerations, and analyze data to understand how total mass affects motion, while comparing experimental results to theoretical predictions. The experiment includes graphing relationships and addressing potential sources of error to enhance precision.

Uploaded by

Leoespart YT
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab: Exploring Newton's Laws

Objective
To validate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration based on Newton's Laws through practical
experiments.

Materials
- Dynamometer (capable of measuring force in Newtons).
- Mass from 50 g to 400 g.
- Cart.
- Stopwatch.
- Measuring tape.
- Calculator.
- Graph paper.

Procedure
Part 1: Force-Mass Relationship Using a Dynamometer
1. Preparation: Make sure the dynamometer is calibrated to zero and ensure the weights are correctly labeled.
2. Measuring Force: Attach a 50 g mass to the hook of the dynamometer, record the force in Newtons, and repeat
with mass up to 400 g.
3. Theoretical Calculation: Convert the mass to kilograms and use the formula: F = m ⋅ g, where g = 9.8 m/s²
(gravitational acceleration).
4. Graphing: Plot the relationship between mass and force on graph paper.

Part 2: Motion and Force with the Cart


1. Preparation: Identify a flat surface and ensure the cart can roll without significant friction.
2. Test with an Empty Cart:
- Apply a constant force using the dynamometer and push the cart over a fixed distance of 3 m.
- Measure the time it takes to cover the distance and record the data.
3. Test with Students:
- Place a student on the cart and apply the same constant force as in the first test.
- Ensure the cart travels the same fixed distance of 3 m.
- Measure the time it takes for the cart to complete the distance and record the data.
4. Calculating Acceleration: Use the formula a = (2 ⋅ d) / t², where d = 3 m is the fixed distance and t is the
measured time.
5. Calculating Net Force: Use Newton's Second Law: F = m ⋅ a, where m is the total mass of the cart plus the
student, and a is the calculated acceleration.
6. Repetition and Comparison:
- Repeat the experiment with different students and record the data for each test.
- Compare the results from the empty cart and the cart with students, analyzing how the total mass affects
acceleration.
7. Analysis: Create a graph showing the relationship between total mass (cart plus students) and acceleration.
Analyze how the data validates Newton's Second Law.
Data Table
Part 1: Force-Mass Relationship Using a Dynamometer
Mass (g) Mass (kg) Experimental Theoretical Difference (%)
Force (N) Force (N)
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400

Part 2: Motion with the Cart


Mass (kg) Distance Time (s) Applied Acceleration Calculated
(m) Force (N) (m/s²) Force (N)
Empty cart 3.0
Cart + Student 1 3.0
Cart + Student 2 3.0
Cart + Student 3 3.0

Analysis Questions
1. What kind of relationship do you observe between the mass and the force measured with the dynamometer
based on the data? How does it compare to the theoretical force calculated using the formula F = m ⋅ g?
2. How does the total mass of the cart (empty and with students) affect the acceleration, based on the recorded
data? What evidence in the observations validates Newton's Second Law?
3. When comparing the applied force measured with the dynamometer and the force calculated using F = m ⋅ a, is
there consistency between the two values? What theoretical or practical factors might explain any differences?
4. Based on the collected data and observations, how does the mass of the cart (empty and with students)
influence the recorded acceleration? What conclusions can you draw about the effect of inertia on motion?
5. What patterns do you observe when graphing the total mass of the system against the acceleration? How does
this graph support the theoretical predictions of Newton's Second Law?
6. Considering possible sources of error such as friction, surface inclination, or inaccuracies in time
measurements, how might these factors have affected the experimental results? What adjustments could improve
precision?

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