Paper Tower

Objective
To build/construct the tallest free-standing tower from a single sheet of long bond
paper & a small roll of adhesive tape

Key Words

Procedure
1. You shall receive one sheet of long bond paper & a roll of tape to build your own
tower.
2. Only the materials provided can be used to build the tower.
3. Your teacher will give you time to construct the tower.
4. The tower must be free standing & NOT taped to the table top. It must not tip over
for at least 30 seconds to be considered stable.
5. Note the similarity & differences in the designs of all the stable & unstable towers.

Questions:
1. What are some of the limiting factors to how tall the paper tower can be built?

Materials
1 sheet of long
bond paper
1 small roll of
scotch or
2. What are some of the limitations you encountered in doing the activity?
masking tape
1 pair of scissors
1 ruler or
meterstick
Conclusion:
1. Compare the design of stable paper towers in your class with that of unstable ones.
Describe the design of a stable paper tower.

2. Why do you think is this activity performed first?

Graphical Analysis
Objective
To determine the relationship between the diameter & the circumference of different
coins.

Procedure
1. Measure the circumference of the sample coins by winding a string around each.

Key Words
Diameter
Circumference
slope

Record the results in the table of data below.

2. Measure the diameter of the sample coins using a ruler. Record the results in the
table of data below.
3. Make three trials by allowing three members of the group to make their individual
measurements.
4. Plot the circumference versus diameter with the latter along the x-axis.
5. Determine the slope of the graph.

Materials

Questions:

4 coins (5 cent, 1. What kind of graph is produced?

25 cent, 1 peso & 2. State the relationship between the two variables
5 peso?
ruler
3. What does the slope of the graph represent?
string
3 sheets of
Conclusion:
graphing paper
What is the relationship between the diameter & the circumference of a circle?
Circumference of coin
TRIAL
1

25

1.00

5.00

Diameter of coin
5

25

1.00

5.00

Circumference/Diameter
5

25

1.00

5.00

2
3
Average

Resultant Displacement Vectors

Objective
To illustrate and add vectors graphically

Key Words
Vector quantity

Resultant
vector

Materials
compass
calculator
chalk
1 meterstick

Procedure
A. Same Direction
1. Choose a desired area on the floor & put X mark on it using a piece of chalk. This
will be your starting point
2. Take the compass & follow the direction of the needle, northward. Take note to
follow only one direction. From your starting point, walk 10 steps forward. (Note:
One step should be equal to the length of your foot.) Stop & put an arrowhead on this
point.
3. Draw a line connecting the starting point, X, & the arrowhead. This arrow
represents your displacement d1 that will be expressed in steps as its unit (d1 = 10
steps) with the direction determined through the compass reading.
4. From the arrow, walk five steps forward. Stop & put a second arrow on this point.
This will represent d2.
5. Measure the length of d1 & d2 by using a meterstick.
6. Write your obtained data in Table 1 next page, & determine the resultant
displacement.
7. Show a vector diagram of your resultant displacement below using an appropriate
scale.

B. Opposite Direction

1. From the arrowhead of d1, walk five steps going to its opposite direction along the
same line drawn. This will represent the second displacement, d 2.
2. Measure the length of d1 & d2. Subtract d2 from d1. The difference is the magnitude
of the resultant displacement. To find for the direction of the resultant displacement,
follow the displacement which has a larger magnitude.
3. Write your obtained data in Table 2.
4. Show a vector diagram of your resultant displacement.

C. At a Right Angle
1. Do steps 2 to 4 again (from the procedure of A. Same Direction).
2. From the arrowhead of d1, walk five steps to your right. Stop & put an arrowhead at
this point. This represents the second displacement, d2.
3. Measure the distance from the start of d1 up to the end of d2. This represents the
resultant displacement.
4. Write your obtained data in Table 3.

Conclusion:
What is the advantage of using graphical method in adding vectors?

Application:
A steamboat leaves shore & travels 30 km East & 15 km at 50 South of East. Find
the boats resultant displacement vector using the graphical method.

Table 1
Displaceme

No. of

Length

Direction

Resultant

nt
d1
d2
Table 2
Displaceme
nt
d1
d2
Table 3
Displaceme
nt
d1
d2

steps

(cm)

(degrees)

No. of
steps

Length
(cm)

Direction
(degrees)

Resultant

No. of
steps

Length
(cm)

Direction
(degrees)

Resultant

Acceleration due to Gravity

Objective
1. To determine the factors that affect bodies in free fall
2. To solve for the value of acceleration due to gravity

Procedure/ Questions:
A. Factors that Affect Freely Falling Bodies
gravity
1. Crumple a piece of paper until it is just as big as a stone. Then drop a book & the
freefall
nd
terminal velocity crumpled paper from the same height (go to 2 floor of our school).

Key Words

a. Which of the two objects falls faster, the paper or the book? Explain.

Materials
textbook
10-m rope
Stopwatch
Rope

b. Does weight affect an objects rate of fall?

2. Crumple a second piece of paper just a bit so that its size is greater than that of the
first piece. Drop the two crumpled pieces of paper from the same height.
a. Which piece of paper falls faster?

b. Does the size of an object affect its rate of fall? Why is that so?

3. Fold one piece of paper into a toy airplane. Leave the other piece unfolded. Drop
the two objects face down from the same height.
a. Which piece of paper falls faster?
b. Does the shape of an object affect its rate of fall? Why is that so?

B. Acceleration Due to Gravity (Free-Fall Method)

Nylon thread
A shoe
Meterstick
4 sheets of bond
paper

1. From an elevation of about 10 m (2nd Floor) drop a rope touching the ground.
2. Using the same length of the rope, repeat step 1 but this time tie a shoe & let it drop
to the ground. Record the time it takes to reach the ground using the Table 1. Make
three trials.
3. Solve for the value of g using the equation:

Conclusion:
How does gravity affect free falling bodies?

Table 1
Trial
1

height

Time

2
3
Average

A Marshmallow Catapult
Objective
1. To build a simple catapult
2. To determine the angle at which the catapult will launch an object the farthest

Key Words
projectile
projectile motion
trajectory

Background
Catapults use projectile motion to launch objects across distances. A variety of factors can
affect the distance an object can be launched, such as the weight of the object, how far the
catapult is pulled back, & the catapults strength.

Form a Hypothesis
At what angle, from 10 to 90, will a catapult launch a marshmallow the farthest?

catapult

Test the Hypothesis

1. Write your obtained data in Table 1.
Materials
2. Attach the plastic spoon to the 1 cm side of the block with duct tape. Use enough
Plastic spoon
tape so that the spoon is attached securely.
Block of wood, 3. Place one marshmallow in the center of the spoon, & tape it to the spoon. This
3.5 cm X 3.5 cm serves as a ledge to hold the marshmallow that will be launched.
4. Line up the bottom corner of the block with the bottom center of the protractor.
X 1 cm
Start with the block at 10 .
Duct tape
5. Place a marshmallow in the spoon, on top of the taped marshmallow. Pull back
Miniature
lightly, & let go. Measure & record the distance from the catapult that the
marshmallows
marshmallow lands. Repeat the measurement, & calculate an average.
Protractor
6. Repeat step 5 for each angle up to 90.

Meterstick

Conclusion:
1. Does the path of an objects projectile motion depend on the catapults angle?
2. At what angle should you throw a ball or shoot an arrow so that it will fly the
farthest? Why?
Table 1
Angle

Distance 1
(cm)

Distance 2
(cm)

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90

Off to the Races!

Distance 3
(cm)

Average
Distance( 1&2)
(cm)

Objective
To build a model car, test its design, & then try to improve the design.

Key Words
model
acceleration

Background
Scientist often use models-representations of objects or systems. Physical models, such as a
model airplane, are generally a different size than the objects they represent.

Procedure
1. Using the materials listed, design & build a car that will carry the load(eraser)
down the ramp as quickly as possible. Your car must be no wider than 8 cm, it must
have room to carry the load, & it must roll.
2. As you test your design, do not be afraid to rebuild or redesign your car. Improving
2 sheets of typing
your methods is an important part of scientific progress.
paper
3. When you have a design that works well, measure the time required for your car to
Glue
roll down the ramp. Record this time. Repeat this step several times.
16 cm wire
4. Try to improve your model. Find one thing that you can change to make your
Pliers or wire
model car roll faster down the ramp. Write a description of the change.
5. Repeat step 3.
cutters

Materials

Metric ruler
Rubber eraser
Ramp(board &
textbooks)
stopwatch

Analysis:

6. Why is it important to have room in the model car for the eraser? (Hint: Think
about the function of a real car.)

7. Before you built the model car, you created a design for it. Do you think this design
is also a model? Explain.

8. Based on your observations in this Activity, list 3 reasons why it is helpful for
automobile designers to build & test small model cars rather than immediately
building a full-size car.

Friction Frog!
Objective
To determine the force that opposes the motion.

Key Words

Procedure

1. On your piece of cardboard draw out an outline of a frog, making sure the widest
point of its body is at least 7cm across.
2. Cut out and decorate your frog.
3. Using sticky tape, stick the straws next to each other on the back of the cardboard
forming an upside down V. The straws should be about 1cm apart at one end of your
Materials
frog, and about 5cm apart at the other end of your frog.
Cooking Oil
4. Cut a piece of string 2m long, then thread it through the straws that are close
A 20cm x 20cm together so the two ends of the string hang down below your frog.
5. Have a helper stand on a chair or table, and place a pencil through the loop of string
piece of
at the top of the frog. Hold the ends of the string in your hands and pull down on one
cardboard
end of the string, then pull down on the other end. Keep doing this and watch your
Two 5cm long
pieces of drinking frog climb.
6. As the frog moves up the string, continue to pump your arms like pistons, and
straw String
slowly move your arms wider apart.
Sticky tape
7. As a challenge for your frog, rub some cooking oil on the string. How does your
Scissors
frog climb now?

friction
force

Coloured pens,
pencils, crayons,
paints or textas
Other decorations

8. As the frog moves up the string, continue to pump your arms like pistons, & slowly
move your arms wider apart.

Analysis:

1. You might expect your frog to slide down the string because of
gravity, but another force is holding up the frog when you move the strings. What do
you call this force? Explain.

Mission Impossible???
Scientific Method / Scientific Attitude

Key Words

Scientific Method Will do some Creative Thinking to figure out a solution to what might
seem like an impossible problem
Scientific
Attitude
Procedure
Creative
Thinking
1. Examine an Index Card. Take note of its size & shape. Your MISSION is to fit
yourself & co-member through the card.

2. Brainstorm w/ your co-member about the possible ways to complete your mission,
keeping the following guidelines in mind: You can use scissors, and you can fold the
card, but you can NOT use staples, paper clips, tape, glue, or any other form of
adhesive.
3. When you & your member have planned your strategy, write your procedure in
your PhysicsLog.
4. Test your Strategy. Did it work? If necessary, get another Crosswise Intermediate
Pad & try again, recording your new strategy & results in your PhysicsLog.

Materials
Crosswise
Index Card

Analysis:

Why was it helpful to plan your strategy in advance?

How did testing your strategy help you complete your mission?

How did sharing your ideas w/ your classmates help you complete your
mission? What did they do differently?

Scissor
1 sheet of
Intermediate Pad

Vector Addition
Distance & direction are important criteria in locating things & places.
Quantities having both magnitude & direction are called Vector
Quantities. If direction is not specified, it is called Scalar Quantities.

Key Words

Procedure

Distance
Displacement
Vector Quantity
Scalar Quantity

Materials

Measure the length of the vector in centimeters using a ruler.

Place the manila paper on the floor & paste the vector tag
following the direction on it.
V1
V2
V3
V4

=
=
=
=

5 cm, North
5 cm, 45 North of East
10 cm, 45 East
5 cm, 45 South of West

Connect the vector tags of each member following the head tail
connection.

Get the resultant vector by connecting the point of origin to the

vector.

Measure the length of resultant vector. Determine its direction.

Analysis:
Ruler
Manila paper
Paste
Protractor
Scissor
Pencil
2 sheet of
Graphing Paper
Vector tags

How will you connect the vectors to get the resultant force?

How will you get the resultant of all vectors?

What is resultant vector?

Newtons Law of Motion

Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), English physicist, mathematician, &

natural philosopher, is considered one of the most important scientists of all
times. Newton formulated the Laws of Universal Gravitation & Law of
Motion that explains how objects move on Earth as well as motion of
heavenly bodies.

Key Words

Procedure
Center of Mass
1. Place a piece of tape 1 meter above the floor. (This will be the point where you
Center of Gravity release the balls during the laboratory activity)
Equilibrium
2. Take the mass of each of the balls using a balance & place these masses in the
Torque
observation table provided below.

Materials
Clay
Ruler
Baseball (ball)
Tennis ball
Billiard ball
Ping pong ball
Platform balance
Masking Tape

3. Roll up the clay into a ball & place the ball of clay on the floor under the pieces of
tape.
4. Place a piece of tape to mark the top of the clay.
5. Drop each of the balls from the 1-meter mark so that they land on the clay.
6. Using the tape mark just above the clay, measure how much each ball dents the
clay. Record your data in the observation table provided below.
7. During this laboratory, think about how you are observing Newtons Three Laws
of Motion.

Type of Ball

Mass of Ball
(g)

Depth of dent in
clay due to the
force of the ball
(cm)

Ping pong ball

Tennis ball
Baseball (ball)
Billiard ball

Analysis:

Describe one observation which demonstrates the Newtons First Law of

Motion.

Newtons 2nd Law of Motion explains the relationship between mass, force
& acceleration. In this activity acceleration due to gravity was the same for
each ball. What was the relationship between FORCE & MASS when
acceleration was held constant?

Make one demonstration which demonstrates Newtons 3rd law of Motion in

the said activity.

Quite a Reaction
Catapults have been used for centuries to throw objects great distances. You
may already familiar w/ catapults after doing the Marshmallow catapult. In
this activity allow you to observe the effects of 3rd Law of Motion & Law of
Conservation of Momentum.

Key Words
Momentum
Catapult
3rd Law of
Motion
Law of
Conservation of
Momentum

Materials
Glue
10cm X 15cm
rectangles of
cardboard (3)
3 pushpins
String
Rubber band
6 plastic straws
Marble
Scissors
Meter stick

Procedure
1. Glue the cardboard rectangles together to make a stack of three.
2. Push two of the pushpins into the cardboard stack near the corners at one end.
These will be the anchors for the rubber band.
3. Make a small loop of string.
4. Put the rubber band through the loop of string, & then place the rubber band over
the two pushpin anchors. The rubber band should be stretched between the two
anchors w/ the string loop in the middle.
5. Pull the string loop toward the end of the cardboard stack opposite the end w/ the
anchors, & fasten the loop in place w/ the 3rd pushpin.
6. Place the six straws about 1 cm apart on the floor. Then carefully center the
catapult on top of the straws.
7. Put the marble in the closed end of the V formed by the rubber band.
8. Use scissors to cut the string holding the rubber band, & observe what happens. (Be
careful not to let the scissors touch the cardboard catapult when you cut the string.)
9. Reset the catapult w/ new piece of string. Try launching the marble several times
to be sure that you have observed everything that happens during a launch. Record all
your observations.

Analysis:

Which has more mass, the marble or the catapult?

What happened to the catapult when the marble was launched?

How far did the marble fly before it landed?

Did the catapult move as far as the marble did?

Explained why the catapult moved backward.

The momentum of an object depends on the mass & velocity of the object. What
is the momentum of the marble before it is launched? What is the momentum of
the catapult? Explain your answer.