Fnet Lab UGHH: Calculating Accelerative Force of Falling Mass

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In summary, Fnet Lab UGHH is a laboratory experiment used to calculate the accelerative force of a falling mass. Its purpose is to determine the relationship between mass and force of gravity during free fall. The accelerative force is calculated using the equation F=ma. Materials needed for the experiment include a mass, string, pulley, stopwatch, and a ruler or measuring tape. Potential sources of error include air resistance, variations in timing, and measurement inaccuracies.
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balllla
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Homework Statement



Okay so we did this lab at school a few days ago where we had a cart and pulleys with different amounts of weights. They used photogates. By doing this we got the acceleration of the cart (measured). I figured the "accelerative force of falling mass" by using the f=ma equation.
It is looking for the Fnet force on the cart causing acceleration? would that be F = (M + m) acceleration ?

Homework Equations



f=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


i'm not sure...
 
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  • #2


Dear student,

Thank you for sharing your experience with the lab and your attempt at finding the solution. It seems like you are on the right track in using the f=ma equation to calculate the "accelerative force of falling mass". However, there are a few things to consider in order to accurately determine the Fnet force on the cart causing acceleration.

Firstly, it is important to clarify what is meant by "Fnet force". Fnet, or net force, is the sum of all the forces acting on an object. In this case, the cart. So, in order to calculate the Fnet force, you need to take into account all the forces acting on the cart, including the force of gravity (which is the weight of the cart and the weights attached to it), the force of friction, and any other external forces (such as the force applied to the cart by the pulleys).

Secondly, the equation F=ma is a simplified version of Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. So, in order to accurately determine the Fnet force, you need to know the mass of the cart and the weights attached to it, as well as the acceleration measured by the photogates.

In summary, to determine the Fnet force on the cart causing acceleration, you will need to use the equation Fnet = ma, taking into account all the forces acting on the cart and using the measured values for mass and acceleration. I hope this helps clarify your confusion and good luck with your further experiments!



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  • #3


I would like to clarify a few things about your experiment and the calculations you have done. Firstly, it is important to understand that the equation f=ma represents Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. In your experiment, you have correctly used this equation to calculate the net force (Fnet) acting on the cart, which is causing its acceleration.

However, it is important to note that the Fnet force is not the same as the "accelerative force of falling mass". The Fnet force is the sum of all the forces acting on the cart, including the force of gravity (which is causing the cart to accelerate). The "accelerative force of falling mass" is simply the force of gravity acting on the cart, which can be calculated using the equation F=mg (where m is the mass of the object and g is the acceleration due to gravity).

In order to accurately calculate the Fnet force on the cart, you would need to take into account all the forces acting on it, including friction, air resistance, and any other external forces. This may require more advanced measurements and calculations, such as using a force sensor or taking into account the angle of the pulley system.

In summary, while your use of the f=ma equation is correct, it is important to understand the difference between Fnet and the "accelerative force of falling mass" and to consider all forces acting on the cart when calculating the Fnet force.
 

FAQ: Fnet Lab UGHH: Calculating Accelerative Force of Falling Mass

1. What is Fnet Lab UGHH?

Fnet Lab UGHH is a laboratory experiment used to calculate the accelerative force of a falling mass.

2. What is the purpose of Fnet Lab UGHH?

The purpose of Fnet Lab UGHH is to determine the relationship between the mass of an object and the force of gravity acting on it while it is falling.

3. How is the accelerative force calculated in Fnet Lab UGHH?

The accelerative force is calculated by using the equation F=ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass of the falling object, and a is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. What materials are needed for Fnet Lab UGHH?

The materials needed for Fnet Lab UGHH include a mass, a string, a pulley, a stopwatch, and a ruler or measuring tape.

5. What are the potential sources of error in Fnet Lab UGHH?

Potential sources of error in Fnet Lab UGHH include air resistance, variations in the timing of the stopwatch, and inaccuracies in measuring the length of the string or mass.

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