Hovercraft
Model No. ME-9838
6
®
Newton's 2
nd
Law
Additional Equipment Required:
•
Air Source (SE-8806)
•
Section of Rope
Procedure:
1.
Ask several students to stand about
5 meters from the Hovercraft to
observe its motion.
2.
Another student should be
designated as the "catcher" to stop
the Hovercraft.
3.
A final student should be
designated as the "marker" to place tape of the floor during its motion.
4.
Using a rope, provide a constant force to the rider for about 3 seconds.
5.
Ask the "marker" to mark the position of the Hovercraft each second.
6.
After moving across the floor for about 5 seconds, stop the Hovercraft.
Questions:
1.
Describe the motion both during and after the pull.
2.
Draw a force diagram for the rider both during and after the pull.
3.
Describe the spacing between the marks on the floor. What do these marks suggest about
the motion of the Hovercraft?
4.
Describe the motion as the Hovercraft is stopped and draw a force diagram while
stopping.
5.
Describe the causes of the motion that you observed throughout the motion.
6.
Formulate a general rule to explain the motions you observed.
