PHY 111L Activity 4

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Name: Abhishek Ray Date: 02/19/2024

Partners: Mukesh Poudel, Aashish Thapa, Bipul Adhikari Lab Section: H006

Objectives
1. Introduce Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
2. Understand how to draw and interpret a Free Body Diagram
3. Use Newton’s Laws to find the acceleration of an object along level and inclined planes
4. Measure the acceleration for those cases and compare to calculated values (lab report)

Materials & Resources

1. Computer with Capstone software and 550 Universal Interface box
2. Dynamics track with Protractor, Adjustable feet, and End stopper
3. Cart with Picket fence, two Photogates with brackets
4. Hanging mass set, Super pulley, Rod (45cm) with Support base (or Table clamp)
5. Track rod clamp, String, Meter stick, Bubble level

Introduction
Newton’s laws consist of the “Law of Inertia”, the “Law of Motion”, and the “Law of Action and Reaction.”
The 1st law (“Inertia”) states that an object’s velocity will not change unless that the object experiences acceleration
by means of an external net force. Think about a large box sitting on the floor or a moving car with no brakes, or no
air friction. The 2nd law (“motion”) states that any time rate of change in the object’s velocity (acceleration) is
inversely proportional to its mass and directly proportional to the net force applied to it, and in the same direction as
that force. Think about the force needed to get the box moving or to stop the car. The 3rd law states that for every
action on an object, there is an equal and opposite reaction, usually from within that object. Think about the force
that the box puts on your hands as you attempt to move it or about the forces involved when two objects collide.
The first two laws are governed by the vector equation F = ma and deal with objects that experience external
forces, with a = 0 in the case of the 1st law. The 3rd law includes internal forces and the role they play in
interactions. The SI unit of the force is a Newton (N), same as kg*m/s2, the dimensions of force are [ M L T-2].
Atwood’s machine is used to verify Newton’s laws, in this lab. The general definition of Atwood’s machine is a
uniformly accelerated motion of two objects connected by a string suspended over a pulley, as shown in Figure 1 to
the right.
According to the “Law of Inertia,” Object 1 (cart with
mass M) will remain still unless acted on by a net force. But
since there is a gravitational force applied to the cart via the
pulley and the tension (T) in the string, it moves according to
the “Law of Motion” as F = ma, where F and a are the
vectors.
As shown in Figure 1, the sum of the forces for a cart of
mass M in the x-direction (direction of motion) is given by
S Fx = +T = Max
which solved for ax then gives ax = T/M
The forces in the y-direction are S Fy = +n – Mg = May. But
since the cart does not move up or down, ay = 0, which implies
that n = Mg for the cart (Object 1).
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For Object 2 (mass m), the net force is the gravitational force mg minus the tension T with both forces in the y-
direction S Fy = +mg – T = may.
Notice here that ax = 0 for Object 2 since the weight only moves in the y-direction.
Now, since the “Law of Action and Reaction” applies to where the string meets the cart and hanging mass as well,
the tension in the string is the same for both objects. We can also say that ax for the cart equals ay for the hanging
mass m, which we simply will call ‘a’. Thus, we can now solve for T in each case, and then set the results equal to
find that a for this simple case is
mg
a=
(M + m )
Also notice that when the weight hits the floor and causes the string to stop pulling on the cart, the cart should
continue to move with a constant velocity. This behavior is also explained by the “Law of Inertia” above.

1. Acceleration Along a Level Plane (aEL) [Lab Report]

Procedure:
1) Use a balance to accurately measure the mass of your cart M with the cart flag and then record your results
below using correct significant figures, units, and uncertainty. Do the same for a hanging mass, we suggest
using m = 100 g.

M ± ∆M = ________
516.8 ± ______
0.1 ( g )

m ± ∆m = ________
100 ± ______
0.1 ( g )

2) Implement the setup shown to the right. Use the

bubble level to ensure that the track is level by
adjusting the track feet until both bubbles are centered.
Adjust the angle of the pulley so that the string is level.
Set both photogates to the same height so that both are
triggered by the same location on the flag.

The free body diagram for this system is shown to the right.
As outlined in the Introduction, this gives the following force
equations for each object as
Σ FMx = +T = MaMx & Σ FMy = n – Mg = 0
for the forces on the cart along the x- and y-directions, and
Σ Fmx = mamx = 0 & Σ Fmy = mg – T = mamy
for the forces on the hanging mass along the x- and y-
directions.
Since the tension in the string should be the same at both ends,
aMx = amy ≡ aTL & T = MaMx = mg – mamy
This gives the acceleration for the cart and mass as aTL = (mg)/(M + m), where aTL is always positive since
mass is always positive and gravity points down. This implies that the cart can only move in the positive x-
direction (right).
Note: The subscripts are used to label the Theoretical or Experimental values with a “T” or “E” and the
Level track or Inclined track with a “L” or “I”. The “M” and “m” are used to label which mass is being
referenced and the “x” and “y” are used to label which direction of motion is being discussed.

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3) Calculate values for aTL and ∆aTL below, where g = 9.807 m /s2; record your results in the space provided below.

aTL ± ∆aTL = 1. 59 ± 2.27 X 10^(-3) ( m/s^2 )

∆𝑴 𝟐 ∆𝒎 𝟐 ∆𝒎 𝟐
where ∆𝒂𝑻𝑳 = 𝒂𝑻𝑳 %& 𝑴 ' + & 𝒎 ' + & 𝒎 '

4) Using the ruler on the track or a meter stick, measure the distance between the photogates d and record your
results below using correct significant figures, unit, and uncertainty. Be sure that d is less than the initial height
h of the hanging mass from the floor. This will ensure that the cart is uniformly accelerated throughout, the
entire distance, d.

d ± ∆d = ___________
35 ± ________
0.1 ( cm )

5) Plug in photogates to digital Ch 1 and Ch 2 of the interface.

6) Open Capstone [ ], select “Hardware Setup”[ ] icon listed under Capstone’s ‘Tools’ palette, and ensure
that the PASCO 550 universal interface is configured.
7) Click on yellow circle(s) shown on digital channel 1 and 2 on the interface box (pic on screen), one at a time,
and Select Photogate, from the dropdown list of sensors, for the digital channels 1 and 2 simultaneously.
8) Click on “Timer Setup” [ ] icon below the “Hardware Setup” from the Capstone’s ‘Tools’ palette.

9) Click on with option.

10) Ensure that two photogates (ch1 & ch2) get selected from the list, and click on .
11) Click on and now select from the dropdown.
12) Click on and make sure the option is selected.
13) Click on , and again , finally click on button.
14) Double click on “Digits” [ ] icon from Capstone “Displays” palette, of the window to the right.
15) Click on on the digital display on screen and select “Time Between Gates, Ch1+2(s)” option
from the dropdown list.
16) Recall that when measuring the acceleration due to
gravity in part 3 of the “Kinematics” lab, the initial Travel time, t
Acceleration,
velocity vi had to equal zero in order to use an equation (Time between
aEL = 2d ÷ t2
for acceleration aEL = 2d/t2. That is also true here, so Photogates)
make sure to have the cart’s flag (Picket fence black
strip) as close to the photogate as possible when you 0.65 1.66
release it for each data run; this will ensure the validity
0.64 1.71
of using aEL = 2d/t2 for the cart.
0.66
17) By ensuring that the initial velocity is zero for each run, 1.61
use the Digits meter from Capstone to measure the time 0.65 1.66
it takes (Elapsed time) for the cart to travel the distance
d along the level surface, then record your 0.65 1.66
measurements in the table to the right.
0.65 1.66
18) Calculate the acceleration for each run using values
measured for t in the table and d from above and record 0.65 1.66
your results in the same table. 0.65 1.66
Note: remember to square only t when calculating aEL
here.

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19) Double click on Table [ ] icon listed in the “Displays” palette of Capstone, to create a new table and to list
captured data in columns. Enter your measured aEL values into the left (first) column of the new data table.
20) Select entered data column of the table and click on “Σ” icon, available in the table top menu, ensuring the mean
and standard deviation options are selected. Record these values with units in the space below. Print the table
for each lab member and include it with the lab report.

aEL ± ∆aEL= ____________

1.66 ± ___________
0.03 ( m/s^2 )

Questions:
1) List all 4 sources of friction physically present in this experiment. What is assumed about these sources of
friction?
1. Friction of the Cart (Rolling Friction)
2. Friction before rolling the cart (Static Friction)
3. Friction in the wheel (Sliding Friction)
4. Air resistance
It is assumed that friction is negligible for our experiment.

2) Which of your values for a above is higher, aTL or aEL (circle one)? Does this make sense in terms of the
physical assumptions made about friction in this experiment, yes or no (circle one)? Briefly justify your
answers below.
No, it does not make sense. 'aTL' should have been higher because the force of friction and air resistance should have opposed
the motion and 'aEL' should have been lower.

3) Calculate the difference between your values aTL and aEL, and the sum of ∆aTL and ∆aEL; record your results
below.

0.03
| aTL – aEL | = 0.07 ( m/s^2 ) ∆aTL + ∆aEL = ( m/s^2 )

4) Based on your answers to question 3, are your results for the level plane experimentally valid? Justify your
answer. HINT: If the sum of your uncertainties is greater than the difference of the experimental and theoretical
values that were measured two different ways, then the experiment is valid.

No, my results for the level plane is not valid since,

|aTL - aEL| > (ATL + AEL),
The reason could be our device could have had more friction as compared to other devices.

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2. Acceleration Along an Inclined Plane (aEI)
Procedure:
1) Setup the experiment as shown in the figure to the
right. Use the rods mounted on the table to support
the track so that it is raised and hangs off the end of
the table. Use a weight that is small enough to
allow the cart to roll DOWN the track. Make sure
the FIRST photogate that the cart travels through is
plugged into Channel 1.
2) Use the balance to measure m and record your
results bellow (use correct significant figures, unit, and
uncertainty). Record the value of the ramp’s angle.

m ± ∆m = ___________
0.1 ± ___________
0.01 ( kg )

q = ___________
5 (degree)

3) Note that M ± ∆M and d ± ∆d should still be the same as

in part 1 above, verify that they are. Be sure that you have
enough string so that the cart can travel through both
photogates before the hanging mass touches the pulley.
4) The free body diagram for the inclined plane setup is shown in figure to the right.
This gives the following force equations for each object as:
ΣFMx = Mgsin(θ) – T = MaMx & ΣFMy = n – Mgcos(θ) = 0
for the forces on the cart, and
ΣFmx = mamx = 0 & ΣFmy = T – mg = mamy
for the forces on the weight along the x and y directions. Since the tension in the string is the same at both
ends, the following is true
T = mamy + mg = Mgsin(θ) – MaMs & aMx = amy ≡ aTI
As a result, the theoretical acceleration down the incline (aTI) is given by
aTI = g(Msin(θ) – m)/ where g = 9.81 m/s2
(M + m)

5) Calculate values for aTI then properly record your

Travel time, t
results below. Acceleration,
(Time between
aEI = 2d ÷ t2
aTI = ____________
0.46 ( m/s^2 ) Photogates)

1.17 0.51

1.14 0.53

6) Use the same PASCO setup as in part 1 above to 1.15 0.53

measure the time (t) it now takes the cart to travel the 1.15 0.53
distance d down the incline, and then calculate the
values for aEI as before; record your results in the table 1.17 0.51
below. 1.14 0.53
7) Enter your calculated values for aEI into the second 1.16 0.52
column of the new data table, created, from part 1, in
step 19. 1.13 0.55

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8) Record your average and standard deviation values for aEI
in the space below; print and include with your lab report.

aEI ± ∆aEI = ____________

0.53 ± ____________
0.01 ( m/s^2
)

Questions:
1) List all 4 sources of friction in this experiment below.
1. Rolling cart (rolling friction)
2. Before rolling cart (static friction)
3. Wheels (static friction)
4. Air resistance

2) Which of your values for a above is higher, aTI or aEI? Does this make sense in terms of the frictional forces
present in this experiment? Justify your answer below, briefly.
No, it does not make sense because the force of friction and air resistance should oppose the motion of the cart and decrease the acceleration.
So, 'aEI' should have been lower than 'aTI'

3) Calculate the percent difference of aTI and aEI. Calculate the fractional uncertainty of aEI .
Show work below.
Percentance difference = | (aTI - aEI)/aTI | * 100% = | (0.46 - 0.53)/0.46 | * 100% = 15.2%
Frictional uncertainty of aEI = Delta aEI/ aEI = 0.01/0.53 = 0.02

4) Can your results for the case of the inclined plane be considered valid? Why or why not?
No. Since frictional uncertainty percentage (2%) is less than percentage difference which is 15.2%. So, the experiment is considered invalid.