PHYSICS PRACTICAL
11.1
ZAID ASMAL
NEWTONS SECOND LAW OF MOTION
MR CRICHTON
INTRODUCTION:
The aim of this experiment is to test the relationship between the net force applied to
an object and the object's acceleration, with the mass remaining constant. According
to Newton's second law of motion, when a net force acts on an object, the object will
accelerate in the direction of the force at an acceleration directly proportional to the
force and an inverse proportionality to the mass. This relationship is crucial in
understanding the behaviour of objects under different forces.
Definitions and terms:
Resultant vector: A single vector having the same effect as two or more vectors
together.
Normal Force: The component of a force which the surface exerts on an object in
contact with it.
Frictional force: The forces that opposes the motion of an object and which acts
parallel to a surface.
Static frictional force: The force that opposes the tendency of motion of a
stationary object relative to surface.
Kinetic Frictional Force: The forces that opposes the motion of a moving object
relative to a surface.
Newtons second Law of motion: when a net force acts on an object, the object will
accelerate in the direction of the force at an acceleration directly proportional to the
force and an inverse proportionality to the mass.
Vector: A physical quantity with magnitude and direction.
Scalar: A physical quantity with magnitude only.
Distance: Total path length travelled.
Displacement: Difference in position in space. It is a vector quantity.
Average Speed: Total distance travelled per total time.
Average velocity: Rate of change of position.
Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity.
Positive acceleration: An object moving in a positive direction is experiencing an
increase in speed and an object moving in a negative direction is experiencing a
decrease in speed.
Negative acceleration: An object moving in a positive direction is experiencing a
decrease in speed and an object moving in a negative direction is experiencing an
increase in speed.
Instantaneous velocity: Rate of change of position, the displacement divided by a
very small-time interval or the velocity at a particular time. It is a vector quantity.
Instantaneous speed: It is the magnitude of instantaneous velocity. It is a
scalar quantity.
Inertia: The resistance of an object to any change in its state of motion.
INVESTIGATIVE QUESTION:
What is the relationship between the net force applied to an object and the object’s
acceleration and the object’s acceleration, if the mass remains constant?
HYPOTHESIS:
The relationship between the net force applied and the acceleration will be one of
direct proportionality.
VARIABLES AND UNITS OF
MEASUREMENTS:
CONTROL: Mass (kg)
INDEPENDENT: Net Force applied (N)
DEPENDANT: Acceleration (m•s⁻²)
LABELLED DIAGRAM (OVER
THE PAGE):
SEQUENCE OF STEPS:
APPARATUS USED:
Trolley
Mass pieces
Frictionless track with pulley
Light string
Timer
Steps:
1. The apparatus was set up as per the diagram from above. The track was
wiped clean, and water was also wiped to ensure friction does not interfere
with results.
2. A book was set under the track for constant motion.
3. The mass pieces were measured in 10g and 2 of them equalled to 1 mass
piece.
4. The light string was attached to the trolley and the other end had 1 mass
piece attached to it. The string was run through a pulley off the table.
5. The other 3 mass pieces were sat on top of the trolley.
6. The trolley was then let to run from the top of the track to the bottom, where
the time was recorded and written down.
7. It was repeated 3 more times each time removing a mass piece from the top
and putting it at the end of the string on the opposite end.
8. Results were recorded each time.
TABLE OF RESULTS:
ACCELERATIO
RU TIM X N Fg
(m•s⁻²)
E (s)
N (m) (N)
2,11s 1,02m 0,196N
1 0,46m•s⁻²
1,73s 1,02m 0,392N
2 0,68m•s⁻²
1,38s 1,02m 0,588N
3 1,07m•s⁻²
1,22s 1,02m 0,784N
4 1,37m•s⁻²
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:
The graph is linear and passes through the origin, this shows that the graph has a
direct proportionality. Meaning that the acceleration of the trolley is directly
proportional to the net force applied to the trolley. The hypothesis was accepted as
the graph shows that when the net force applied increases so does the acceleration.
Experimental error:
1) Friction cannot be completely eliminated.
2) Old apparatuses could affect precision of practical.
3) Human error when measuring time accurately.
CONCLUSION:
In this experiment the relationship between the acceleration of the trolley and the net
force applied to the trolley was tested through a trolley running down a cart with a
constant mass. Two books were placed under the track to account for friction and
gravitational force. The results proved that the hypothesis was correct and that there
is a relationship between the two. The relationship is one of direct proportionality.
The higher the net force acted on the trolley, the higher the acceleration was. In
conclusion this experiment allowed us to see the relationship between acceleration
and net force applied and is crucial to understanding the behaviour of objects under
forces.
REFERENCES:
1) Examination Guidelines Grade 11, Department of Education, Pages(7-9)
2) Physical Science Workbook, [Link], Published by AMANIYAH, Pages (50-
136)