CORE PRACTICAL: 1: investigating force, mass and acceleration

Question 1

apparatus required for the investigation: (6)

Answer 1

• vacuum cleaner (blowing air out)
• light gates
• string
• bench pulley
• weight
• glider and card

Question 2

instructions for experiment:

Answer 2

1-Cut an interrupt card to a known length (such as 10 cm) and attach it to an air track glider.

2-Set up the equipment. Make sure that the air track is level, and that the card will pass through both gates before the masses strike the floor.

3-Set the data logging software to calculate acceleration.

4-Use scales to measure the total mass of the glider, string and weight stack. Record this value.

5-Attach the full weight stack (6 x 10g masses) to the end of the string.

6-Make sure the glider is in position and switch on the air blower. The glider should accelerate.

7-Remove one weight and attach it to the glider using blu-tack. This will keep the total mass constant. (The weight stack is being accelerated too.)

8-Repeat steps 6-7 removing one weight from the stack each time. Remember to attach each weight to the glider as it is removed from the weight stack.

Question 3

what is the purpose of the vacuum cleaner?

Answer 3

-it provides a constant stream of air which reduces the friction between the glider and the air track.

Question 4

what will a table include for this set of results?

Answer 4

Number of weights on stack	
Force in N	
Acceleration in m/s² - Run 1	
Acceleration in m/s² - Run 2	
Acceleration in m/s² - Run 3	
Acceleration in m/s² - Mean

Question 5

how will the analysis of the experiment be conducted?

Answer 5

-using a scatter graph

Question 6

scatter graph plan:

Answer 6

Plot a scatter graph with force on the vertical (x) axis, and acceleration on the horizontal (y) axis. Draw a suitable line of best fit.

Question 7

Evaluation of experiment:

Answer 7

Acceleration is directly proportional to the force applied to the object.
This means that a graph of force against acceleration should produce a straight line that passes through the origin.

Question 8

Describe how the electrical appliance (air blower) could be a hazard in this practical:

Answer 8

hazard 1:

• electrical fault - fire/shock
• check mains cable and plug are not broken or wiring exposed before use

Question 9

Describe how the masses and/or glider falling to floor could be a hazard in this practical:

Answer 9

hazard 2:

• objects falling on feet - bruise/fracture
• use relatively small masses and step back after releasing glider