Acceleration

• What is the aim of the investigation?

  To investigate the effect of force and mass
• What does Newton's second law state about acceleration?

  It is directly proportional to net applied force
• What are the main variables in the investigation?

  • Independent variable: Applied force
  • Dependent variable: Acceleration of the trolley
  • Control variable: Trolley
• What is the independent variable in the investigation?

  Applied force
• What is the dependent variable in the investigation?

  Acceleration of the trolley
• What is the control variable in the investigation?

  Trolley
• How does varying the force affect acceleration?

  It increases the acceleration of the object
• How does varying the mass affect acceleration with constant force?

  It decreases the acceleration produced
• Who is the physics teacher at Redham House School?

  Sarah Dix
• What is the main focus of today's practical investigation?

  The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration
• What equipment is needed for the experiment?

  • Trolley
  • Ramp
  • String
  • Pulley
  • Masses
  • Sticky tape
  • Card
  • Sticky putty
  • Balance
  • Two light gates
  • Data logger
  • Clamps and stands
  • Ruler
  • Box of crumpled paper
• How should the slope of the ramp be adjusted?

  Until the trolley moves at constant velocity
• What should be recorded in the results table after measuring the card?

  The length of the card
• How should the card be attached to the trolley?

  Using the balance
• Why is it important to check the pulley is securely fastened?

  To ensure the experiment runs smoothly
• What should be done to prevent the trolley from rolling down the ramp?

  Place sticky putty by the front wheels
• Where should the light gates be positioned?

  One near the top and one near the bottom of the ramp
• What should be done if unsure how to connect light gates to the data logger?

  Ask for help from your teacher
• What should be used if the data logger only measures velocity?

  A stop clock to measure time
• What must remain constant throughout the experiment?

  The mass added to the string
• What is the purpose of moving the putty to the side of the ramp?

  To keep it in line with the front wheels
• What should be recorded as the trolley passes through each light gate?

  The velocity of the trolley
• How many sets of results should be recorded?

  Three sets of results
• What should be done after repeating the experiment with additional mass?

  Add all data into the results table
• How is acceleration calculated in this experiment?

  Using the equation: acceleration = change in velocity / time taken
• What should be calculated for each set of results?

  The mean acceleration
• How should the scatter graph be plotted?

  • Acceleration on the y-axis
  • Combined mass on the x-axis
  • Add a smooth curve for the line of best fit
• What relationship should be explained from the experiment?

  The relationship between acceleration, force, and mass
• What types of variables should be identified in the experiment?

  The different types of variables