Force & Acceleration Lab

Force & Acceleration Lab

1) Introduction: Explain the theory behind this experiment in a paragraph between 150 and 250 words. (2 Points)

Suppose you are using external resources; include the reference. It would be best if you had any relevant formulas and explanations of each term. You may use the rich formula tools embedded here.

2) Hypothesis: In an If /Then statement, highlight the purpose of the experiment.

For instance: If two same shape objects with different masses are dropped from the same height, they will hit the ground simultaneously. (2 points)

Post-lab section:

Force & Acceleration Lab

3) Attach your analysis here, including any table, chart, or plot image. (3 Points)

4) Attach the image of any table, chart, or plot here. (4 points)

Each part is 2 points.

Table 1 and the calculation of the percent error.

Table 2 and the calculation of the percent error.

5) Attach the image of samples of your calculation here. (2 points)

6) In a paragraph between 100 and 150 words, explain what you Learn. What conclusion can you draw from the results of this lab assignment? (2 points)

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7) In one sentence, compare the results of the experiment with your Hypothesis. Why? (1 point)

8) Attach your response to the questions in the lab manual here. (4 points)

Force & Acceleration Lab

1. What is the theory behind this experiment?,

2. What hypothesis describes the experiment’s purpose?,

3. How is percent error calculated in data analysis?,

4. What was learned from conducting the experiment?,

5. Do the experimental results support the hypothesis?

Comprehensive General Answer:

Pre-Lab Section

1) Introduction (Theory)

This experiment aims to verify Newton’s Second Law of Motion, which states that the force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration, expressed by the formula:

$$F=ma$$

Where:

• $F$ = Net Force (Newtons, N)

• $m$ = Mass of the object (kilograms, kg)

• $a$ = Acceleration (meters per second squared, m/s²)

The theory predicts a direct proportionality between applied force and acceleration when mass is constant. In practical experiments, factors like friction and air resistance must be minimized or accounted for, as they introduce deviations from ideal behavior. Data will be collected by applying varying forces to a cart of fixed mass and recording the resulting acceleration. Comparing theoretical acceleration (calculated from force and mass) with experimental values (measured) allows us to analyze the law’s validity through percent error evaluation. A small percent error would indicate experimental confirmation of Newton’s law.

Reference: Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2014). Fundamentals of Physics, 10th Ed., Wiley.

2) Hypothesis (If/Then Statement)

If the applied force on a constant mass increases, then the object’s acceleration will increase proportionally, confirming Newton’s Second Law.

Post-Lab Section

3) Data Analysis (Sample Explanation)

We recorded the applied forces and measured the acceleration using motion sensors. The theoretical acceleration was calculated using:

atheoretical=Fma_{theoretical} = \frac{F}{m}atheoretical​=mF​

The experimental acceleration was determined from velocity-time graphs. Percent error was calculated using:

% Error=∣aexperimental−atheoretical∣atheoretical×100\% \, \text{Error} = \frac{|a_{experimental} – a_{theoretical}|}{a_{theoretical}} \times 100%Error=atheoretical​∣aexperimental​−atheoretical​∣​×100

Data tables (Table 1 and Table 2) present values of force, mass, acceleration (theoretical and experimental), and calculated percent errors.

4) Tables & Percent Error Calculations

• Table 1 (Force vs Acceleration): [Insert Image Here]

• Table 2 (Percent Error Analysis): [Insert Image Here]

Each table lists applied forces, calculated accelerations, and corresponding percent error values for each trial.