Investigating force, mass and acceleration

• What is the main topic discussed in the study material?

  Newton's Laws of Motion
• What causes weight according to the study material?

  Weight is caused by the gravitational effect of a planet attracting an object’s mass.
• What is the aim of the experiment described in the study material?

  • To investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration
  • By varying the masses added to trolleys
• What method is suggested to investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?

  Varying the masses added to trolleys.
• What equipment is used to reduce friction in the experiment?

  A constant stream of air.
• What should be done to the air track before starting the experiment?

  The air track should be level.
• How should the total mass of the glider, string, and weight stack be measured?

  Using scales.
• How many weights are in the full weight stack used in the experiment?

  6 weights of 10g each.
• What should be done after attaching the full weight stack to the string?

  Switch on the air blower to allow the glider to accelerate.
• What is the purpose of removing one weight and attaching it to the glider?

  To keep the total mass constant while varying the force.
• What should be recorded in the results table during the experiment?

  • Number of weights on stack
  • Force in Newtons (N)
  • Acceleration in m/s² for multiple runs
  • Mean acceleration
• What does the analysis section suggest doing with the results?

  Plot a scatter graph with force on the vertical axis and acceleration on the horizontal axis.
• What relationship does the evaluation section describe between acceleration and force?

  Acceleration is directly proportional to the force applied to the object.
• What should the graph of force against acceleration produce according to the evaluation?

  A straight line that passes through the origin.
• What hazards are identified in the experiment and their control measures?

  Hazards:

  • Electrical fault with air blower
  • Falling masses/glider

  
  

  Control measures:

  • Check mains cable and plug before use
  • Use relatively small masses and step back after releasing glider
• What is the consequence of an electrical fault with the air blower?

  Fire or shock.
• What is the consequence of masses or the glider falling to the floor?

  Bruise or fracture.
• What should be checked before using the air blower?

  The mains cable and plug should not be broken or have exposed wiring.
• What should be done to prevent objects from falling on feet during the experiment?

  Use relatively small masses and step back after releasing the glider.
• What is the purpose of the data logging software in the experiment?

  To calculate acceleration.
• How can the gradient of the graph be used in the experiment?

  To compare it to the total mass of the glider and weight stack.
• What are the key components of Newton's laws of motion discussed in the study material?

  1. Newton's first law: An object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by a force.
  2. Newton's second law: Force equals mass times acceleration (\(F = ma\)).
  3. Newton's third law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.