using the initial and final velocity values. Compare the calculated
value of the work to the calculated value of the final kinetic
energy.
Experiment 5: Tension
What is the tension in the string in the previously suggested
experiments? This experiment will use the same setup as
Experiments 3 and 4, minus the motion sensor. Start by holding
the cart at rest so that the tension in the string is equal to mg
(the hanging mass times the acceleration due to gravity). Then
let go of the cart so it accelerates toward the pulley, using
SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone to measure the amount of force
in the string. The tension should be constant but less than mg.
Elastic Bumper
(ME-8998)
Force Sensor
Cart
Pulley
Mass
Figure 4. Layout for Experiment 5.
Experiment 6: Friction and Newton’s Second
Law
Make observations when a force is applied to the cart and force
sensor, and compare its acceleration when (effectively) no
friction is present to the acceleration when friction is added. You
will need the Friction Block (ME-9807), a block from the Discover
Friction Accessory (ME-8574), or equivalent for this experiment.
Arrange the Force Sensor, motion sensor, and cart on the track
as in Experiments 3 and 4, but this time place the friction block
on top of the Force Sensor. Accelerate the cart with a 50 g
mass. Use the motion sensor to measure the velocity and
acceleration of the cart as it is pulled along by the string. Using
the software, compare the measured force to the measured
velocity and acceleration. Turn the cart, sensor, and block
system upside-down so that the block is now in contact with the
track. Adjust the pulley as necessary. Accelerate the cart again
and observe the effects of the additional friction on the force,
velocity, and acceleration.
Motion
Sensor
Force Sensor
Cart
Friction Block
Pulley
Mass
Elastic Bumper
(ME-8998)
Figure 5. Layout for Experiment 6.
Experiment 7: Newton’s Third Law
Newton’s Third Law is often summarized as "For every action,
there is an equal and opposite reaction." In other words,
whenever one object exerts a force on a second object, the
second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first
object. This experiment will require two force sensors connected
to PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue simultaneously, set up so
that a push will be negative for one of the sensors. Connect the
two sensors together via their attachable hooks and pull on one
sensor with the other sensor, using the program to measure the
force from both sensors simultaneously.
Experiment 8: Impulse/Collision
The impulse during a collision is equal to the change in
momentum during that collision. In other words, F t = (mv).
Mount the Force Sensor on a Force Sensor Mounting Bracket at
one end of the track. Arrange the cart and motion sensor so the
motion sensor can measure the motion of the cart as it is
pushed toward the Force Sensor, collides with it, and rebounds.
Use PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue to determine both the
impulse and the change in momentum during the collision.
IMPORTANT: When performing experiments
that involve a collision, do NOT use the rubber
bumper with the Force Sensor, as this may
damage the internal components. Instead, any
of the following components can be used as a
bumper for collision experiments:
• Light Spring Bumper (ME-9275)
• Bumper Accessory Set (ME-9884)
• Magnetic Bumper Set (ME-9885A)
Motion
Sensor
Cart
Mounting Bracket
Force Sensor
Spring Bumper
Figure 6. Layout for Experiment 8.
Other experiment suggestions
• Measure the force of a Super Fan Cart (ME-6977).
• Measure the centripetal force of a swinging pendulum, and
compare the force to the speed, length, and mass of the
pendulum.
• Using measurements of the weight force, measure the
change in mass of liquid nitrogen as it vaporizes versus the
energy input to vaporize the liquid nitrogen.
• Measure fluid drag forces on objects of various shapes in a
wind tunnel.
• Measure the net force acting on a pair of harmonic
oscillators.
• Study damped and undampted harmonic motion using a
mass and spring system.
Software help
The SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone Help provide additional
information on how to use this product with the software. You
can access the help within the software or online.
SPARKvue
Software: Main Menu
> Help
PASCO Capstone
Software: Help > PASCO Capstone Help
Force Sensor | CI-6537
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