Force, mass and acceleration (a = Δv/t)
I can explain how to investigate the effect of force or mass on the acceleration of an object.
Force, mass and acceleration (a = Δv/t)
I can explain how to investigate the effect of force or mass on the acceleration of an object.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Acceleration can be measured accurately using light gates or roughly measured using a stopwatch and ruler.
- The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object.
- The acceleration of an object is inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
- Newton's Second Law states that F = m × a.
Common misconception
It is common for pupils to fail to consider the hanging mass as part of the accelerating mass.
Emphasise that all of the moving parts in the investigation are connected, are accelerated together, and need to be included in the measurement of the mass being accelerated.
Keywords
Air track - A track which uses a cushion of air to reduce frictional forces in experiments.
Directly proportional - A relationship where one value is a constant multiple of the other, represented by y ∝ x.
Inversely proportional - A relationship where one value is a constant multiple of the other, represented by y ∝ 1/x.
Newton's Second Law of Motion - Newton's Second Law of motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the resultant force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
air track -
A track that uses a cushion of air to reduce frictional forces.
directly proportional -
A relationship where one value is a constant multiple of the other.
inversely proportional -
A relationship where one value halves each time the other doubles.
Newton's Second Law of motion -
Acceleration: proportional to force, inversely proportional to mass.