Pre Lab
Directions/Description: In this lab we will begin exploring Newton's Laws of Motion. Specifically, we will look at Newton's Second Law through the construction and analysis of an Atwood's Machine (See video to the right to see an example Atwood's Machine). An Atwood's Machine uses a system of 2 unequal masses connected by a string over a low friction pulley to create a constant acceleration. Recall that Newton's Second Law states that Net Force is directly proportional to acceleration, while mass of a system is inversely proportional to the acceleration. This is summed up in the famous equation F(net) = ma. The direct and inverse relationships are even more evident when you rewrite the equation as a = F(net)/m.
This lab will involve two parts, each analyzing a different part of the second law. First we will look at how varying the net force on a system impact the acceleration of the system while mass is held constant. Next we will explore the impact of changing the total mass. Prior to this week's lab be sure to 1) Watch my Pre Lab video below, 2) Explore the simulation as described in the video, and 3) Complete the pre-lab quiz on Blackboard. For more info on Newton's Second Law, check out this AWESOME video (Note: My high school physics teacher had the class watch these videos). |
Sample Atwood's Machine
Some of the algebra behind Atwood's Machine
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Pre Lab Video
Simulations
Explore the Atwood's Machine simulations embedded at the following links to see how varying the masses on an Atwood's Machine impacts the acceleration of the system.
Simulation 1: www.physicsclassroom.com/Physics-Interactives/Newtons-Laws/Atwoods-Machine/Atwoods-Machine-Interactive
Simulation 2: www.thephysicsaviary.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/AtwoodLab/index.html
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Simulation 1: www.physicsclassroom.com/Physics-Interactives/Newtons-Laws/Atwoods-Machine/Atwoods-Machine-Interactive
Simulation 2: www.thephysicsaviary.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/AtwoodLab/index.html
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Lab
This week you will be completing the Newton's 2nd Law: Atwood's Machine lab.
We will be using the Pasco Capstone software along with a Pasco Photogate Pulley to conduct the lab.
We will be using the Pasco Capstone software along with a Pasco Photogate Pulley to conduct the lab.
newtons_2nd_law.docx | |
File Size: | 1222 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Post Lab
Please post a reflection on the lab experience on the Newton's 2nd Law Reflection discussion board on the course Blackboard site.
Be sure to include:
Be sure to include:
- What you did
- Why you did it
- Any interesting observations
- What you learned from doing the lab