Can you prove Newton's Second Law from this experiment?

Thread starter titaniumpen
Start date Jan 5, 2012
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Experiment Law Newton's second law Second law

In summary, the conversation discusses an experiment conducted in school to explore Newton's Second Law of Motion. The set up includes a weight suspended from a string connected to a trolley on a flat table, with a pulley to reduce friction. The experiment aims to measure the acceleration of the trolley using the force exerted by the falling weight. However, it is argued that this experiment does not prove the Second Law as the force used is determined using the same law. Alternative methods, such as using a Newton-meter or elastic bands, are suggested to demonstrate the law. The conversation also touches upon the circular argument often found

Jan 16, 2012

harrylin

olivermsun said:

You use the two parallel bands to generate some arbitrary force F and then 2*F without assuming Hooke's law

You don't know a priori that pulling the masses together and separately will result in the same acceleration, which is why you do the experiment.

What you are trying to demonstrate in Newton's law is not the constant of proportionality (since that would be units-dependent) but the fact that a direct (linear) proportionality exists at all.

Exactly - as I also discussed in my posts #13, #17 and #25.

<h2>1. How does Newton's Second Law relate to this experiment?</h2><p>The Second Law of Motion, also known as the Law of Acceleration, states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In this experiment, we can observe how the acceleration of the object changes as we manipulate the net force and mass, thus proving the Second Law.</p><h2>2. What is the experimental setup for proving Newton's Second Law?</h2><p>The experimental setup will involve a cart or object with a known mass, a force sensor to measure the net force applied, and a motion sensor to measure the acceleration of the object. The experiment will involve changing the net force acting on the object while keeping its mass constant, and vice versa, to observe the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.</p><h2>3. Can Newton's Second Law be proven through one experiment?</h2><p>No, Newton's Second Law cannot be proven through one experiment alone. It is a fundamental law of physics that has been extensively tested and proven through various experiments and observations. This experiment will provide evidence and support for the Second Law, but it cannot be proven solely through one experiment.</p><h2>4. How can we ensure the accuracy of the results in this experiment?</h2><p>To ensure the accuracy of the results, we must follow proper experimental procedures and use precise and calibrated equipment. It is also important to repeat the experiment multiple times and take an average of the results to minimize errors. Additionally, we must consider and control any external factors that could affect the results, such as friction or air resistance.</p><h2>5. What are the implications of proving Newton's Second Law?</h2><p>Proving Newton's Second Law has significant implications in the field of physics and engineering. It helps us understand the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, which is crucial in designing and building structures and machines. It also forms the basis for other laws and principles, such as the Law of Conservation of Momentum and the Law of Universal Gravitation.</p>

1. How does Newton's Second Law relate to this experiment?

The Second Law of Motion, also known as the Law of Acceleration, states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In this experiment, we can observe how the acceleration of the object changes as we manipulate the net force and mass, thus proving the Second Law.

2. What is the experimental setup for proving Newton's Second Law?

The experimental setup will involve a cart or object with a known mass, a force sensor to measure the net force applied, and a motion sensor to measure the acceleration of the object. The experiment will involve changing the net force acting on the object while keeping its mass constant, and vice versa, to observe the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

3. Can Newton's Second Law be proven through one experiment?

No, Newton's Second Law cannot be proven through one experiment alone. It is a fundamental law of physics that has been extensively tested and proven through various experiments and observations. This experiment will provide evidence and support for the Second Law, but it cannot be proven solely through one experiment.

4. How can we ensure the accuracy of the results in this experiment?

To ensure the accuracy of the results, we must follow proper experimental procedures and use precise and calibrated equipment. It is also important to repeat the experiment multiple times and take an average of the results to minimize errors. Additionally, we must consider and control any external factors that could affect the results, such as friction or air resistance.

5. What are the implications of proving Newton's Second Law?

Proving Newton's Second Law has significant implications in the field of physics and engineering. It helps us understand the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, which is crucial in designing and building structures and machines. It also forms the basis for other laws and principles, such as the Law of Conservation of Momentum and the Law of Universal Gravitation.