Newton's Second Law
Recommended for grades 6–12.
Introduction
Newton’s second law of motion explains the relationship among force, mass, and acceleration. In this activity, you will study the relationship between acceleration and mass, while keeping force constant. A car carrying different masses will be pulled across a table by a hanging weight—the constant force. Acceleration will be measured using a computer-interfaced Motion Detector. You will plot a graph of acceleration versus mass, and then use the graph as you make conclusions about the relationship between mass and acceleration.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to determine acceleration.
- Record data.
- Graph data.
- Make conclusions about the relationship between mass and acceleration.
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
See all standards correlations for Physical Science with Vernier »
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.