Activity 3: Newton’s Laws of Motion PhET simulation

Instruction follow the steps below to play Newton’s Laws of Motion simulation. This
simulation will serve as your mini task 3.

Step 1: In your downloaded PhET simulation application, go to Physics/Motion

Step 2: Inside the Physics/Motion part, choose Forces and Motion: Basics, load the
application, then explore the simulations of: Net force, Motion, Friction, and
Acceleration

Make sure to enjoy the simulation while learning the simulated concepts of Newton’s
Laws of Motion. Change parameters of the masses, friction, applied force, etc.
Step 3: It is now time for experiment. We will focus on the acceleration simulation
experiment. Below the instruction is a data table and processing questions. Make sure to
fill up the data table, then answer promptly the questions based on your observation in
the simulated experiment.
1. Open the “Acceleration” simulation, then check all the shown values.

2. Record the mass of the crate. “Do not” put any object above the crate. Apply
three separate session values of force: a. 100N, b. 200N, and c. 300N. Do not
adjust the friction cursor value. For each value of applied force, record the
acceleration value, friction force, and net force.
 3. Replicate the simulation experiment in number 2. But change the friction cursor
into “none”, then another replication with friction cursor into “lots”. Make sure to
record the correct observed values of acceleration, friction force, and net force.

Table 2: Newton’s Laws of Motion simulation data

Surface Mass of Acceleration Applied Friction Net

friction the crate (m/s2) Force (N) Force (N) Force (N)
(kg)
Average 50 0 100 100 0
Average 50 2.12 200 94 106
Average 50 4.12 300 94 206
None 50 2 100 0 100
None 50 4 200 0 200
None 50 6 300 0 300
Lots 50 0 100 100 0
Lots 50 0 200 200 0
Lots 50 2.24 300 188 112

After the experiment, solve in your paper the values of acceleration, friction force, and
net force. Then compare your results to the data of your recorded simulation
experiment.
Clue: Friction f =µFn; where the Fn is the normal force, and µ is the coefficient of
friction, which in the case of the simulation the object is a wooden crate.

Average Friction 1
Given:
μ = 0.204 m = 50 kg FA = 100 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =100 N−(0.204)(50 kg)( 9.8 m/ s2 )=0.0008 ≈ 0 m/s 2

F f = ( 0.204 ) ( 490 N )=99.96 ≈100 N

F net=(50 kg)(0 m/s 2 )=0 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 100 N with
average surface friction has an acceleration of approximately 0 m/s 2, a friction force
of approximately 100 N, and a net force of 0 N.
Average Friction 2
Given:
μ = 0.1918 m = 50 kg FA = 200 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =2 00 N−(0.1918)(50 kg)(9.8 m/s2 )=2.12036 ≈ 2.12 m/s 2

F f = ( 0.1918 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=93.982 ≈ 94 N

F net=(50 kg)(2.12 m/s 2)=106 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 200 N with
average surface friction has an acceleration of approximately 2.12 m/s 2, a friction force
of approximately 94 N, and a net force of 106 N.
Average Friction 3
Given:
μ = 0.1918 m = 50 kg FA = 300 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =300 N−(0.1918)(50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=4.12036 ≈ 4.12 m/s 2

F f = ( 0.1918 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=93.982 ≈ 94 N

F net=(50 kg)(4.12m/ s2 )=206 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 300 N with
average surface friction has an acceleration of approximately 4.12 m/s 2, a friction force
of approximately 94 N, and a net force of 206 N.
No Friction 1
Given:
μ=0 m = 50 kg FA = 100 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =1 00 N −(0)(50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=2m/ s2

F f = ( 0 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=0 N

F net=(50 kg)(2 m/s 2)=100 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 100 N with no
surface friction has an acceleration of 2 m/s2, a friction force of 0 N, and a net force of
100 N.
No Friction 2
Given:
μ=0 m = 50 kg FA = 200 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =200 N−(0)(50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=4 m/s2

F f = ( 0 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=0 N

F net=(50 kg)(4 m/s 2)=200 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 200 N with no
surface friction has an acceleration of 4 m/s2, a friction force of 0 N, and a net force of
200 N.
No Friction 3
Given:
μ=0 m = 50 kg FA = 300 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =300 N−(0)(50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=6 m/ s 2

F f = ( 0 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=0 N

F net=(50 kg)(6 m/ s2 )=300 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 300 N with no
surface friction has an acceleration of 6 m/s2, a friction force of 0 N, and a net force of
300 N.
Lots of Friction 1
Given:
μ = 0.204 m = 50 kg FA = 100 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =1 00 N −(0 .204)(50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=0.0008 ≈ 0 m/s2

F f = ( 0.204 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=99.96 ≈ 100 N

F net=(50 kg)(0 m/s 2 )=0 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 300 N with lots of
surface friction has an acceleration of approximately 0 m/s 2, a friction force of
approximately 100 N, and a net force of 0 N.
Lots of Friction 2
Given:
μ = 0.408 m = 50 kg FA = 200 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =2 00 N−(0. 408)(50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=0.00 16 ≈ 0 m/s2

F f = ( 0. 408 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/ s2 )=1 99.92 ≈ 2 00 N

F net=(50 kg)(0 m/s 2 )=0 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 300 N with lots of
surface friction has an acceleration of approximately 0 m/s 2, a friction force of
approximately 200 N, and a net force of 0 N.
Lots of Friction 3
Given:
μ = 0.3837 m = 50 kg FA = 300 N

Required:
Acceleration, Friction Force, and Net Force

Equation:
a=m ax =F A −μw F f =μ F N F net=ma

Solution

a=( 50 kg ) a x =3 00 N−(0. 3837)(50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=2.23974 ≈ 2.24 m/s 2

F f = ( 0.3837 ) (50 kg)(9.8 m/s 2)=188 . 013 ≈ 188 N

F net=(50 kg)(2.24 m/ s2 )=112 N

Answer:
Therefore, a 50 kg crate that is experiencing an applied force of 300 N with lots of
surface friction has an acceleration of approximately 2.24 m/s 2, a friction force of
approximately 188 N, and a net force of 112 N.
 Process Questions:
1. Was your simulated data the same with the calculated data?
2. What do you think are the sources of error in the discrepancies of the result?

Student’s responses:
 MINI-TASK 3: Newton’s Laws of Motion simulation experiment

Instruction: Do the activity # 3, a simulation experiment about Newton’s Laws of

Motion PhET activity, then answer below the processing questions.

Processing Questions:

1. How did you find the mini- task?

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Your work will be evaluated based on the attached rubric.

2. How did the lessons help you see the real-world use of the topic?

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