Procedure:
1)
Go to
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/forces-1d and download the
simulation. You will need to have Java installed.
2)
On the right side of the page, click to turn friction off. In the center of the
page, choose graph position and close any other graphs (use the red x in the
upper corner of the graph). The default object should be a file cabinet. If not,
select the file cabinet from the objects on the right. Type 10.00 in the box on
the left side for applied force. When you press “Go” the robot will apply 10N of
force to the file cabinet in the positive direction. Because you are assuming
the system of the file cabinet and floor is frictionless, how does this applied
force relate to the net force on the file cabinet?
3)
Click Go and watch the robot push the file cabinet across the floor. Push pause
before the file cabinet hits the wall.
4)
You should see a vertical purple rectangle on the right side of your graph. If
you drag the purple rectangle along the graph, you should be able to determine
the position of the filing cabinet at different times. Record enough values of
time and position to be able to calculate acceleration (using the constant
acceleration equations).
5)
Press “Clear” then change the applied force and repeat the process. Do at least
five trials and record data for each trial.
6)
Choose another object and close the position graph. Click the button that says
“Graph velocity.” Figure out how to calculate acceleration from the velocity
graph then repeat the process of varying the applied force and calculating
acceleration. Do at least five trials.