English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Investigate the relationship between force, mass and acceleration using a trolley and pulley system
Collect data and analyse results to verify Newton’s Second Law (F= ma)
Evaluate the effects of experimental uncertainties and systematic errors
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Words and meanings to learn
acceleration
the rate at which an object’s velocity changes, measured in metres per second squared (m/s²)
proportional relationship
a relationship where one quantity increases or decreases in direct proportion to another
mass
the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg)
average
a calculated mean value, used here to improve accuracy in timing results
gravity
the force that pulls objects toward the Earth, affecting the mass hanger’s pull on the trolley
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1m ruler, toy car, bench pulley, string and small weight stack (e.g. 1 N in steps of 0.2 N), two clamp stands, clamps and bosses and sticky tac to attach weights to the car.
Using a smartphone to video the sequence will provide more reliable data.
Link to spreadsheet.
This investigation can be done with simple equipment (stopwatches and toy cars) or using a linear air track and light gates. However, if the latter method is used, students will not have the opportunity to complete physics AT 1 measurement of mass and time.
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