Investigating motion

• What is the focus of the required practical described?

  Testing Newton's Second Law
• What is the formula for Newton's Second Law?

  F = ma
• How does the light gate measure velocity?

  By measuring the length of card pieces
• What does the weight of the hook provide in the experiment?

  The accelerating force for the system
• What should be marked on the table for the experiment?

  A starting line for the trolley
• What should you do before releasing the trolley?

  Hold it in place with taut string
• Why is it important to repeat the acceleration measurement?

  To obtain an average acceleration
• What are the steps to investigate the effect of mass on acceleration?

  • Add masses to the trolley one at a time
  • Do not add masses to the hook
  • Record average acceleration for each mass
• What are the steps to investigate the effect of force on acceleration?

  • Keep total mass the same
  • Transfer masses from trolley to hook
  • Record average acceleration for each force
• How does adding mass to the trolley affect acceleration?

  It decreases the acceleration of the trolley
• What happens when masses are transferred to the hook?

  It increases the accelerating force
• How does Newton's Second Law explain the results of the experiment?

  F = ma shows mass affects acceleration
• Why must there be enough space for the hanging masses?

  To avoid hitting the floor before the trolley
• What is the consequence of masses hitting the floor during the experiment?

  Inaccurate measurement for speed