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Lesson 33 of 84 · Energy Transfer
ExperimentNewton's Second Law: Force and Acceleration (Part 2)
What You'll Learn
Newton's second law says that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). A heavier object needs more force to accelerate at the same rate as a lighter one.
Key Words
- Newton
- acceleration
Materials Needed
- tape
- ruler
- cardboard
- marbles
- paper clips
- rubber bands
Safety First
- Do not taste any materials.
- Wear safety goggles when mixing liquids.
Steps
Step 1 — Read
Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.
Step 2 — Do
Test friction: pull a weighted box across 4 surfaces (carpet, tile, sandpaper, foil). Use a spring scale to measure the force needed for each.
Step 3 — Observe
Watch carefully for any changes and note the time.
Step 4 — Record
Create a data table to organize your measurements.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What unit is force measured in?