PURPOSE: To illustrate the experimental basis for Newton's second law of motion.
DESCRIPTION: This experiment uses the two gates to determine the time interval for the dynamics cart to be accelerated over the distance between them. You must therefore hold the glider so that the tab interrupts the photocell light beam immediately when the dynamics cart is released. The constant accelerating force is provided by a small mass hanging over a low friction pulley connected to the dynamics cart.
Acceleration is proportional to force. Measure t for accelerating mass m1 = 10 g and m2 = 20 g. Then a2 / a1 = (t1 / t2)**2 = m2 / m1.
Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass. Measure t for dynamics cart masses of M1 and M2 with the same accelerating mass. Then a2 / a1 = (t1 / t2)**2 = M1 / M2.
SUGGESTIONS:
EQUIPMENT: Dynamics track with data acquisition system and photocell gate setup, dynamics cart of mass 500 grams and 1000 grams, and accelerating masses of 20 grams and 40 grams as photographed.
SETUP TIME: 5 min.
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