Newton's laws and momentum

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Question 7
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Newton's second law can be stated as:

force=mass×acceleration \text{force} = \text{mass} \times \text{acceleration} force=mass×acceleration

A student is provided with a glider on an air track, a low-friction pulley, a string, a hanging mass hanger with several slotted masses, and two light gates connected to a digital data logger, as shown in the diagram.

A diagram showing a linear air track supported on a bench. On the track is a glider with a metal interrupt card of length d on top. A string connects the glider over a pulley at the end of the track to a hanging mass carrier. Two light gates, labeled Light Gate 1 and Light Gate 2, are set at a fixed distance apart along the air track. Both light gates are connected to a digital data logger.

Describe an experimental procedure the student could use to investigate how the acceleration of the glider depends on the accelerating force. In your answer, you should:

  • Explain how the force is varied while keeping the total mass of the system constant.
  • Describe how the acceleration of the glider is determined.
  • Outline how the student can use the results to show the relationship between force and acceleration.
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Newton's laws and momentum Questions

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