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- B. Statics
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- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
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- P. Modern Physics
Air Track - Newton's Second Law
Purpose
To demonstrate F = ma.
Equipment
Air track, photocell gate timer system, gliders of mass M and 2M, small masses with audiotape frictionless cord, as photographed.
Suggestions
distance between them. You must therefore hold the glider so that the tab interrupts the photocell light beam immediately when
Setup Time
5 min.
Images
Description
A small mass hanging over a frictionless pulley provides the constant force which accelerates the glider between gates A and B. Using the photogate timing system, the time for the glider to travel from A to B can be measured, or the velocities of the glider at positions A and B can be measured using the 5 cm tab mounted on the glider. The accelerating force can be varied by adding additional masses, or gliders of mass M, 2M, and 3M (2M + M) can be used. A careful measurement yields a result good to a few percent.
References
Information Sheet. B. Saelman, Some Notes on Newton's Second Law of Motion, AJP 25, 584-585 (1957). ◙James L. Anderson, Newton's first two laws of motion are not definitions, AJP 58, 1192-1195 (1990).
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See pagesc1. center of mass motion
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See pagesc3. first law of motion
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See pagesc4. second law of motion
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See pagesc5. third law of motion
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See pagesc6. friction
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See pagesc7. collisions
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See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power
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See pagesc1. center of mass motion
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See pagesc3. first law of motion
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See pagesc4. second law of motion
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See pagesc5. third law of motion
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See pagesc6. friction
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See pagesc7. collisions
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See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power