Newton's Second Law
Recommended for grades 11–14.
Introduction
In your discussion of Newton’s first law, you learned that when the sum of the forces acting on an object is zero, its velocity does not change. However, when a net force acts on the object, it accelerates. In this experiment, you will determine the relationship between the net force acting on an object and its acceleration.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Identify the forces acting on an object both when its change in velocity, Δv, is zero and when it is accelerating.
- Collect force, velocity, and time data as a cart is accelerated on a track.
- Use graphical methods to determine the acceleration of the cart.
- Determine the relationship between the cart’s acceleration and the net force applied to it.
- Determine the effect of the mass on the relationship between acceleration and force.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
No standards correlations for this experiment.
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.