Plan the investigation
What students will do
Start with a guided comparison, then plan an investigation, analyze a graph, and check a prediction.
- Compare connected masses. Measure the accelerations of the hanging and table masses for the handout’s comparison cases.
- Design and collect. Choose a fixed hanging mass and at least five table masses. Record total mass and shared acceleration.
- Linearize the results. Transform the data to create a straight line. Use the fit to determine gravitational acceleration.
- Explain and predict. Explain why both masses contribute to inertia, then predict and test acceleration for an unused table mass.
What students will learn
- Analyze connected motion in different directions.
- Separate the driving hanging weight from total system mass.
- Use a graph to test an inverse relationship.
Common misconception
Does doubling table mass halve acceleration?
The accelerating system includes the hanging mass as well as the mass on the table.