Force & Motion: Newton's Second Law

Investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

Lab Summary:

Students will use the Motion Sensor to investigate the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force as predicted by Newton's second law of motion (Newton's Second Law). The relationship among the quantities force, mass, and acceleration can be written in one equation.

This activity has two Student eLabs. The first eLab will explore the relationship between constant mass and increasing net force. In the second eLab, students will explore the relationship between increasing mass and constant net force.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Xplorer GLX-based lab, Part 1 (PDF, 472 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab, Part 2 (PDF, 356 KB)

Method:

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

Here's What You Need:

Required for Xplorer GLX-based lab:

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

Probeware

• PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• PAScar Dynamics System, 1.2 m (ME-6955)
• Drilled Mass and Hanger Set (5 g resolution) (ME-9348)
• OHAUS Triple Beam Balance w/o Tare (SE-8723)
• Braided Physics String, 300 m (SE-8050)
• Super Pulley with Clamp (ME-9448A)

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