Newtons Second Law with a Go Direct Photo gate (light gate)

Brief

Newtons 2nd Law: The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

F=ma

Using the Go Direct photo gate(Light gate) with a homemade double interrupt card attached to a trolley which in turn is attached to hanging masses via string. We can measure the Acceleration of the whole system at the moment interrupt card passes through the light gate. We can then look at the effect of varying the mass or the effect of varying the Force.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Collect Acceleration Data using a Photogate(lightgate)
• Determine the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

Required items

• Go Direct Photogate
• iPad, iPhone, Windows Computer, mac Computer, Chromebook, Android device with the FREE Graphical Analysis Installed
• Double interrupt card (Can be homemade)
• Balance
• Set of Hanging Masses on a hook
• String

Vernier Track Option

• • From a Vernier Dynamics System/Go Direct Dynamics System
    • Vernier Track
    • Vernier Trolley
    • Pulley Wheel
    • Pulley Wheel bracket
    • Photogate Bracket
    • Track end stop

  Alternative Track Option

  • Trolley
  • Ramp
  • Clamp Stand
  • Pulley Wheel (Recommended)

Method

Setup the Equipment as shown.

On the Go Direct Photogate, press the power button once. The LED will blink red.Launch the Graphical Analysis App. Click Sensor Data Collection.  Now select GDX-VPG from the list (if you have more than one device, select the serial number corresponding to that on the case). The LED on the photogate will now blink Green. Press Sensors Channels. Unselect Object Velocity and Select Object Acceleration(multiple flags). Click DONE. If you only want to display the Acceleration value on the screen press the Square in the top right of the screen and select “Meter”.

You are now ready to Collect your first Acceleration Data point. Pull the Trolley back to the starting point. Press COLLECT. Release the Trolley. Record the acceleration value. Repeat the same run 3 times to get an average acceleration.

Sensors and Equipment Featured