Newton's Second Law & RP: Acceleration

What happens to acceleration if resultant force doubles while mass stays constant?

Acceleration doubles.

What happens to acceleration if mass doubles while resultant force stays constant?

Acceleration halves.

Why does a heavier object accelerate less under the same resultant force?

Its greater mass means less acceleration for the same resultant force.

What is Required Practical 7?

Investigate how resultant force and mass affect acceleration.

What is the relationship between resultant force and acceleration when mass is constant?

Acceleration is directly proportional to resultant force.

What is the relationship between mass and acceleration when resultant force is constant?

Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass.

How can acceleration be measured in a school investigation?

Using a trolley and motion-measuring equipment, such as light gates or a motion sensor.

How can the effect of force on acceleration be investigated?

Measure a trolley's acceleration while changing the driving force and keeping total mass constant.

Why must total mass remain constant when investigating force?

To ensure acceleration changes are caused by changes in force, not mass.

How can the effect of mass on acceleration be investigated?

Change the total mass of the moving system while keeping driving force constant, then measure acceleration.

Why must driving force remain constant when investigating mass?

To ensure acceleration changes are caused by changes in mass.

What graph is expected when acceleration is plotted against resultant force at constant mass?

A straight line through the origin.

What does this graph show?

Acceleration is directly proportional to resultant force.

What graph is expected when acceleration is plotted against mass at constant force?

A decreasing curve, showing an inverse relationship.

How can an inverse relationship be tested using a straight-line graph?

Plot acceleration against 1/mass.

Why should the track be level and friction minimised or accounted for?

To reduce unwanted forces affecting the resultant force and measured acceleration.

Why should repeated readings be taken?

To identify anomalies and improve reliability.

What is the overall conclusion of Required Practical 7?

Acceleration is directly proportional to resultant force and inversely proportional to mass.