Part I: Demonstrating Newton’s First Law of Motion
Let’s start with an example of Newton’s first law, also called the law of inertia. The law of inertia applies to resting or moving objects: an object in motion tends to stay in motion and an object at rest tends to stay at rest, unless the object is acted upon by a force sufficient to change its motion.
Imagine you are going on a family trip, and your parents ask you to load the luggage onto the car’s roof rack. The luggage sits on the porch, and has inertia: it will not move until you apply enough force to move it. You decide to overcome the inertia of the luggage and load the car.
Now you are off on your trip. As the car speeds down the road toward your destination, your dad asks you why there are luggage straps still in the back seat. Just as you realize why, a dog runs across the road and your dad slams on the brakes. The dog manages to escape, but the luggage flies forward off the roof rack, landing far ahead of the car on the road. You again recall the law of inertia: an object in motion (like luggage on a speeding car) will stay in motion unless acted upon by a sufficient force (provided by luggage straps). As your dad fumes, you explain Newton’s first law to him to divert his attention
Part I: Demonstrating Newton’s First Law of Motion
Devise an experiment to demonstrate Newton’s first law.
Write the steps of your experiment.
Determine the types of data you will gather and what tools of measurement will be used to collect the data.
Make a list of the data sections or tables. List the tools or devices used to make measurements.
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Gather materials and set up your experiment.
Include a sketch of your experimental setup.
Run your experiment.
Record your data and observations in the space below.
Steps of the experiment:
1. Set up a flat surface, such as a table or floor, to act as the experimental area.
2. Place a small object, such as a toy car or a ball, on the surface. This will represent the object in motion.
3. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark a starting point and an ending point on the surface.
4. Attach a string or a rubber band to the object, and secure the other end of the string or rubber band to a stationary object, such as a wall or a heavy book. Ensure that the string or rubber band is taut.
5. Pull the object towards the starting point and release it. The object should move towards the ending point due to its inertia.
6. Use a stopwatch or a timer to measure the time it takes for the object to reach the ending point.
7. Repeat the experiment multiple times and calculate the average time.
List of data sections or tables:
1. Trial number
2. Time taken for the object to reach the ending point
List of tools or devices used for measurement:
1. Ruler or measuring tape
2. Stopwatch or timer
Sketch of the experimental setup:
stationary object (e.g. wall)
|
------------
| string/rubber band
|___________
| |
-------------- object
| starting |
| point |
|_____________|
Data and observations:
Trial number Time taken (in seconds)
1 2.3
2 2.1
3 2.2
4 2.4
5 2.0
Observations: The object consistently moved towards the ending point with each trial, demonstrating the law of inertia. The time taken for the object to reach the ending point was relatively consistent, indicating that the force applied to overcome the object's inertia was constant.