PURPOSE: To show Newton's second law.
DESCRIPTION: Slowly pull a block along the top of the lecture bench with a spring scale and cause it to slide with constant velocity. Measure the deflection of the spring scale. This can similarly be performed with a spring rather than a spring scale and the extension of the spring is observed. Also, pull at various angles to the horizontal and note the change in force needed.
Use either a cinder block and a 100 newton scale or a wood block and a 20 newton scale.
Pull very
slowly, and with constant force. Do not pull quickly and do not pull with jerky motion
otherwise the spring scale will deflect erratically.
EQUIPMENT: Block and spring scale.
SETUP NOTES: Use either a cinder block and a 100 newton scale or a wood block
and a 20 newton scale. Pull very slowly, and with constant force. Do not pull
quickly and do not pull with jerky motion otherwise the spring scale will deflect
erratically.