RP7 - Acceleration - Part 1: Measuring the effect of force on acceleration at constant mass.

Question 1

Outline the basic steps of the practical.

Answer 1

1. Mark out 20 cm intervals on a bench using a ruler
2. Attach a string to the trolley, and pass it over a pulley at the end of the bench
3. Attach varying masses to the end of the string and release them so the trolley accelerates
4. Time how long it takes to reach each interval

Question 2

Suggest a method for marking out 20cm intervals on the desk.

Answer 2

Place pieces of tape every 20cm from the starting point of the trolley. Use a metre rule to measure each interval.

Question 3

What piece of equipment is used to record the times?

Answer 3

A stopwatch with the ability to record multiple times (laps) so you can record when it passes each interval.

Question 4

What safety precaution should be taken when releasing the masses?

Answer 4

Ensure you are not standing underneath where they are hanging. A padded bucket could be placed underneath them to catch them when they drop.

Question 5

How would you expect the acceleration of the trolley to change as you add more weights to the end of the spring?

Answer 5

The more weights that are added, the greater the force that is accelerating the trolley and so the greater the acceleration.

Question 6

Which of Newton’s laws explains the relationship between force and acceleration? State the relevant equation.

Answer 6

Newton’s Second Law

Force = Mass x Acceleration