M

Notes on Experiment 3.5: Forces Acting on Moving Bodies

  • Experiment Overview

    • Focus: Forces acting on moving bodies.
    • Objective: Investigate the effects of applying a force to an object already in motion.
    • Key Question: Will the object move in the direction of the applied force or deviate in another direction?

  • Materials and Setup

    • Instead of an air puck, a hoverball is used for the experiment.
    • Surface preparation: Clean the surface where the experiment will be conducted (entire front of the room).
    • Ensure hoverball is charged and operational.
    • Test the level ground to minimize friction; aim for a negligible air resistance scenario.

  • Conducting the Experiment

    • Start the hoverball in an initial forward motion (students might need to give a slight nudge).
    • Once moving, forces will be applied by gentle kicks referred to as "foot bumps" rather than a suggested puff of air, to maintain control.
    • Ensure uniformity in application strength and distance for each bump to gain consistent results.

  • Observations and Exploration

    • Note how the hoverball reacts when bumps are applied:
    • Apply bumps directly in the line of motion.
    • Experiment with applying bumps at angles to the direction of motion.
    • Use markers (e.g., dry erase) to draw paths on the floor for the hoverball to follow, referencing figures in the textbook (e.g., Figure 3.17).
    • Conduct the experiment collectively, forming groups to test different approaches and angles.

  • Qualitative Analysis

    • The experiment is qualitative in nature with less emphasis on numerical data.
    • Focus on observational insights rather than quantitative measurements.

  • Pre-Lab Discussion

    • Instructors encourage students to collaboratively create a pre-lab outline.
    • Aim to finalize pre-lab preparations before the next class session.
    • Clarification on the overall approach helps to streamline the overall lab process.

  • Conclusion

    • Reinforce group discussions for pre-lab setup so the following class will primarily involve practical experimentation and observation, minimizing preparatory steps then.