Force & Motion: Newton's First Law

Determine the conditions that are needed for an object to maintain its state of motion, whether it is at rest or accelerating due to a constant force.

Newton's 1st Law

Students compare velocity profiles of carts under the influence of different forces as a foundation for interpreting more complex graphs of motion in later explorations. Enlarge graph.

Lab Summary:

Students will use a Motion Sensor to experience the phenomenon of inertia. They will investigate four scenarios:

  1. Motion of a cart that is at rest and does not experience a net force
  2. Motion of a cart that is at rest and experiences a net force for a short time interval
  3. Motion of a cart that is moving and has very little friction
  4. Motion of a cart that is initially at rest but experiences a constant net force

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer–based lab  (PDF, 764 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab  (PDF, 544 KB)

Method:

Use the Motion Sensor to measure the motion of a cart as it experiences different applied forces. Analyze the graph of position and velocity of the cart.

Here's What You Need:

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

Other Materials

Lab Manual:

The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Physics (PS-2810). The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.

For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer GLX-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles