Part 2: The effect of mass on acceleration at constant force

• What is the first step of the practical procedure?

  Mark out 20 cm intervals on a bench
• What is the second step of the practical procedure?

  Attach a string to the trolley
• What is the third step of the practical procedure?

  Attach a fixed mass to the end of the string
• What happens after attaching the fixed mass to the string?

  Release it so the trolley accelerates
• What is the fourth step of the practical procedure?

  Time how long it takes to reach each interval
• What is the fifth step of the practical procedure?

  Repeat with varying masses attached to the trolley
• How can you determine an appropriate fixed mass for the experiment?

  Carry out a preliminary experiment
• What is the purpose of the preliminary experiment?

  To find the weight needed to accelerate the trolley
• What happens if too large a fixed weight is used?

  The trolley accelerates too quickly for accurate timing
• How does adding masses to the trolley affect its acceleration?

  The acceleration will decrease as masses are added
• What is the formula that relates force, mass, and acceleration?

  a = F/m
• How can the timing of the trolley at each interval be improved?

  Use a video camera to record the experiment
• What is the benefit of using a video camera for timing?

  It reduces uncertainty from human reaction times
• What is an alternative to using a video camera for timing?

  Light gates could be used