Unit 1 Lab 2 Laws Of Motion Lab ✓ Solved

Part 1: Newton’s 1st and 2nd Law of Motion. Open PhET Simulation Forces and Motion, Basics. Select the 4th window labeled Acceleration. Leave Friction setting at default. Check all boxes. Gradually apply a force to the right on the crate and determine the maximum force that can be applied without overcoming the force of static friction to start the crate moving. What was the maximum force of static friction? What was the force of kinetic friction once the crate starts moving? What applied force got the crate moving? What is the net force on the crate? What is the acceleration of the crate? Show that this demonstrates. Provide units for all numbers and use a negative sign to indicate vector quantities that point left. Reduce the force until the net force equals zero. What is the acceleration of the crate now?

Part 2: Gravity. Open the simulation. How does the force exerted by the small mass on the large mass compare to the force exerted by the large mass on the small mass? Choose from the options: a) The small mass exerts less force on the large mass than the large mass exerts on the small; b) The small mass exerts the same force on the large mass as the large mass exerts on the small; c) The small mass exerts more force on the large mass than the large mass exerts on the small. This is due to the following: a) Newton’s First Law of Motion; b) Newton’s Second Law of Motion; c) Newton’s Third Law of Motion; d) Conservation of momentum; e) Conservation of energy. Set each mass in the simulation to different values and record the force of gravity according to the simulation. Use the formula for the force of gravity to confirm this number.

Paper For Above Instructions

In this lab report, we will explore the fundamental concepts outlined in Newton's Laws of Motion through practical applications using the PhET simulations focused on forces, motion, and gravity. The simulation provides a platform to visualize the theoretical principles and observe the results of forces acting upon objects.

Understanding Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton’s First Law states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue moving with a constant velocity unless acted upon by a net external force. This law introduces us to the concept of inertia, which is the resistance of any physical object to any change in its velocity.

To observe this law, students utilized the PhET simulation, which permitted the gradual application of force on a crate. The goal was to discover the maximum static friction force that could be exerted without initiating motion. The results indicated that until the applied force reached a critical threshold, the crate remained static, thus demonstrating static friction's role in exerting resistance against motion.

On initiating moving the crate, the static friction transitioned into kinetic friction. The variable measured was the force of kinetic friction, which was typically less than static friction, adhering to Newton's principles, as once motion commenced, the object required a smaller force to maintain movement.

Quantitative Analysis

During the experiment, various parameters were recorded, such as:

  • Maximum force of static friction (Fs)

  • Force of kinetic friction once the crate started moving (Fk)

  • Applied force (Fapplied) that got the crate moving

  • Net force (Fnet) on the crate calculated as Fapplied - Fs

  • Acceleration (a) of the crate, calculated using the formula a = Fnet/m, where m is the mass of the crate

The simulation results indicated that the acceleration of the crate was directly proportional to the net force applied. By the end of the phase, when the net force reached zero, the crate effectively ceased accelerating, integrating the concept of Newton's laws.

Gravity and Mass Interaction

In the second phase, we explored gravitational forces between two masses. The PhET simulation allowed for manipulation of mass values and distances to observe the relationship outlined in Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which was hypothesized as: the force exerted by the small mass on the large mass is equal to the force exerted by the large mass on the small mass. Students were required to choose the correct option and justify it based on Newton's third law.

We set two distinct masses in the simulation at a varied distance while recording the gravitational force between them. The fundamental principle assessed here reinforced that forces between two objects are always equal and opposite, signifying mutual interaction irrespective of mass differences.

Furthermore, students calculated gravitational force using the formula: F = G (m1 m2) / r², where F signifies the force of gravity, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses, and r is the distance separating the object centers. Calculations were compared against simulation output to validate the accuracy, demonstrating that theoretical and empirical values converge remarkably.

Conclusion

The exploration through the PhET simulations uncovered contracts of Newton's Laws of Motion and gravitation in action. The experiments reinforced comprehension of how forces operate and interact, laying a foundational understanding critical for advancing inquiries in physics. Analyzing these laws emphasizes their precedence in both experimental and theoretical contexts within the physical sciences.

References

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