Part 1: The effect of force on acceleration at constant mass

• What is the first step in the practical procedure?

  Mark out 20 cm intervals on a bench
• How should the string be set up in the practical?

  Pass it over a pulley at the end of the bench
• What should you do after attaching varying masses to the string?

  Release them so the trolley accelerates
• What is the purpose of timing how long it takes to reach each interval?

  To measure the acceleration of the trolley
• How can you mark out 20 cm intervals on the desk?

  • Place pieces of tape every 20 cm
  • Use a metre rule to measure each interval
• What equipment is used to record the times in the experiment?

  A stopwatch with lap recording capability
• What safety precaution should be taken when releasing the masses?

  Do not stand underneath where they hang
• What could be placed underneath the hanging masses for safety?

  A padded bucket to catch them
• How does adding more weights affect the trolley's acceleration?

  It increases the acceleration of the trolley
• Which of Newton's laws explains the relationship between force and acceleration?

  Newton's Second Law
• What is the equation that relates force, mass, and acceleration?

  Force = Mass x Acceleration
• What are the basic steps of the practical experiment?

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