FORCE, MASS AND ACCELERATION
4 marks · NormalA laboratory experiment investigates the effect of force and mass on acceleration using a trolley, a ramp, and hanging masses.
Describe how you could set up an experiment to test how the force on the trolley affects its acceleration, keeping the mass constant.
Explain how your results might be used to show the proportionality between force and acceleration.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Keep trolley and masses the same. Vary force by adding weights to the hanger, use a pulley. Measure acceleration using a timer or data logger as you increase the force. · must show Constant mass, Vary force, Measure acceleration
(b) Plot a graph of force (on x-axis) against measured acceleration (on y-axis). If the graph is a straight line through the origin, this shows force is directly proportional to acceleration. · must show Graph plotting, Straight line through origin
Common mistakes: Not stating mass stays constant; Not plotting correct variables
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States mass is kept constant and force is varied (by adding/removing masses on the hanger).
M1 (a) · 1 mark · Explains how to measure acceleration (e.g., using a timer, light gate, or video).
M2 (b) · 1 mark · Suggests plotting a graph of force versus acceleration.
A1 (b) · 1 mark · Correctly states a straight line through the origin demonstrates direct proportionality.
Worked solution
a) Set up a ramp with a trolley and attach a mass hanger to the trolley via a pulley. Keep the total mass (trolley plus hanging masses) constant. Vary the force by transferring masses from the trolley to the hanger. Measure the acceleration using a timer or data logger.
b) Plot a graph with force on the x-axis and acceleration on the y-axis. If the results form a straight line through the origin, this confirms that force is directly proportional to acceleration.