Physics-Investigating motion

Equipment

• Trolley of known mass

• Piece of card

• Light gate connected to data logger

• Pulley

• Masses

• Hook of known mass

Step 1

Connect the trolley to a piece of string that goes over a pulley and is connected on the other side to a hook. Mark a starting line on the table the trolley is on, and place the trolley so that its front end is lined up with it.

Step 2

Hold the trolley so the string between the trolley and pulley is horizontal and taut. Next, release the trolley and record the acceleration measured by the light gate as the trolley passes through it. Repeat this twice more and calculate the average accelration.

Varying the mass

To investigate the effect of varying the mass, add masses to the trolley one at a time. Record the average acceleration eat time you add a mass.

Varying the force

To investigate the effect of varying the force, you need to keep the total mass of the system the same, but change the weight on the hook. To do this, start with all the masses loaded onto the trolley, and transfer the masses to the hook one at a time, recording the new acceleration each time you transfer one of the masses.

The results

By adding the masses to the trolley, you increase the mass of the whole system, but keep the force applied to the system the same. Lead to a decrease in the acceleration of the trolley

By transferring masses from the trolley tot he hook, you are increasing the accelerating force without changing the mass of the system. Increase force lead to increase acceleration of trolley.