Question

plan and observe
newtons second law is f = ma. in this task, you will plan two controlled experiments to see how changes in force and changes in mass affect the motion of the piece of cardboard in the setup from task 1. because you dont have access to special measuring devices, youll just use observation to compare acceleration of the cardboard as it moves across the table. you should change only the force or the mass, but not both, because these are controlled experiments.
● estimated time to complete: 20 minutes
you will need these materials:
· goggles
· the experimental setup from task 1
· another nonbreakable object to place on top of the cardboard (e.g., another kitchen utensil)
· a table at least 24 inches wide
· 1 square meter of floor space next to the table, covered with a rug, mat, or carpet
▲ stay safe! make sure you wear your goggles. the experimental setup could fall on the floor: be sure to stop the cardboard piece at the edge of the table before it falls. if it does fall, stay clear of the falling objects.
part a
you should now have one more object to place on the cardboard. using the task 1 setup and the additional object, plan a controlled experiment to investigate how changing the mass of an object changes its acceleration. the net force on the object must stay the same. record your plan here.

Explanation:

Step1: Keep the force constant

Place the cardboard on the table as in task - 1 setup. Use the same method to apply force each time.

Step2: Vary the mass

First, start with the cardboard alone and apply the force to make it move across the table. Observe and note the acceleration (by how quickly it moves from one end to the other). Then, place the non - breakable object on the cardboard and apply the same force. Observe and note the acceleration again. Compare the two observations to see how the mass affects the acceleration while the force is constant.

Answer:

1. Place the cardboard on the table using the task 1 setup.
2. Apply a consistent force to move the cardboard alone across the table and observe its acceleration.
3. Place the non - breakable object on top of the cardboard.
4. Apply the same force as in step 2 to move the cardboard with the added mass across the table and observe its acceleration.
5. Compare the two observed accelerations to see the effect of mass on acceleration with constant force.