Experiments

Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support this IB* topic.

Newton's First Law

Experiment #3 from Advanced Physics with Vernier — Mechanics

In this experiment, you will

• Collect position, velocity, and time data as a cart is launched by a spring and slowed by friction.
• Analyze the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
• Investigate the effect of varying the friction on the velocity of the cart.

Newton's Second Law

Experiment #4 from Advanced Physics with Vernier — Mechanics

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.

Newton's Third Law

Experiment #5 from Advanced Physics with Vernier — Mechanics

In this experiment, you will

• Observe the magnitude and direction of forces exerted by interacting objects.
• Observe the time variation of these forces.
• Develop a more robust expression of Newton’s third law.

Educational Standard

International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025

Subject

Physics

Theme

A Space, time and motion

Topic

A.2 Forces and momentum

Level

Standard level and higher level