Newton's second law can be stated as:
Net Force=Total Mass×Acceleration \text{Net Force} = \text{Total Mass} \times \text{Acceleration} Net Force=Total Mass×AccelerationA student is provided with an Atwood machine consisting of a smooth, low-friction pulley, a light inextensible string, two mass hangers, several identical slotted masses, and two photogates connected to a digital timer, as shown in the diagram.
Describe an experimental procedure the student could use to investigate how the acceleration of the system depends on the net accelerating force. In your answer, you should:
- Explain how the net accelerating force is varied while keeping the total mass of the system constant.
- Describe how the acceleration of the mass is determined.
- Outline how the student can use the results to show the relationship between force and acceleration.