F=ma Experiment

Aim: To determine the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. Also
to demonstrate Newton's third law.

Method: Use a spring balance and add 50g at a time and record the weight
force in Newtons up to 300g. Tabulate the results then graph force against
mass. Determine the gradient of the graph. Then connect two spring balances
together and pull gently in opposite directions. Explain how this represents
Newton's third law.

Results:

Spring balances and the weights

Mass (kg) Force (N) Acceleration (m/s)

0 0 0
0.05 0.5 0.5/0.05 = 10
0.1 1 1/0.1 = 10
0.15 1.5 1.5/0.15 = 10
0.2 2 2/0.2 = 10
0.25 2.5 2.5/0.25 = 10
0.3 3 3/0.3 = 10

The two spring balances pulled in opposite direction reveal how they both show
the same force as the other. As, the spring balances give a reading of 3.5 N on
each side when pulled in the opposite direction.
Safety Precautions
A safety precaution that was carried out during the experiment was to wear
enclosed protective footwear in the lab, because if the glass equipment were to
somehow break or if the weights were to fall off the bench, foot protection is
extremely important for safety. Another safety precaution that was carried out
was being careful when using the spring, as they could flung back at someone if
pulled too much.

Discussion
The spring balance and weight experiment was indeed successfully in
determining the relationship between force, mass and acceleration through the
use of Newtons second law of acceleration in the formula F=ma. As the above
results reveal, an object with a larger mass needs a stronger force to be moved
along at the same acceleration as an object with a small mass.

The experiment with the two spring balances that are pulled in opposite
direction reveals and support Newtons third law of motion For every action,
there is an equal but opposite reaction. As, the results depict how the forces
that acted in the opposite direction were equal in magnitude and therefore had
a net force of 0.

Conclusion
Thus, the experiment was indeed executed successfully, as the spring balance
and weight force experiment revealed and support the relationship that exists
between force, mass and acceleration. This was concluded by how larger masses
require a stronger force than a smaller mass. Whereas, the two spring balances
experiment, in which the spring balances were pulled in opposite direction did
indeed demonstrate Newtons third law of the action-reaction law.