Action & Reaction: Newton's Third Law
PASCO Science Workshop: Collision Carts
PIRA Class: 1H10.40*
Purpose
Students observe Newton's 3rd Law for equal, but opposite
opposing forces when two carts collide.
Description
Force sensors mounted on top of collision carts record the
force experience by each cart respectfully & simultaneously during a collision of the
two carts
NOTE: Connect and power up interface before turning on
computer.
1. Set-up: Force probes & PASCO interface w/ computer
(Software; PASCO Scientific Workshop; File: Newton's third law)
2. Level dynamics track w/ index card shims
3. Mount Force probes on respective carts and plug into
interface
4. Attach stopper bumpers to force probe hooks
5. Click on "run" with mouse & gently collide
carts
6. Observe simultaneously the measured forces
VARIATION: Add additional masses to one cart only AND/OR
collide a still cart with a moving cart.
Equipment
Dynamics Track & force probes, PASCO Interface, Motion
Detector & Accessories