Plan the investigation
What students will do
Start with a guided comparison, then plan an investigation, analyze a graph, and check a prediction.
- Compare force and mass. Measure acceleration when force doubles and when mass doubles. Keep the other quantity fixed in each comparison.
- Design and collect. Choose a fixed rightward force and at least five masses. Plan consistent acceleration measurements.
- Linearize the results. Transform the mass and acceleration data to form a straight line. Use the best-fit slope to infer net force.
- Explain and predict. Evaluate the inverse-mass relationship, then predict acceleration for an unused mass and test it.
What students will learn
- Separate the effects of net force and mass.
- Linearize an inverse relationship.
- Infer a physical quantity from a slope and verify a prediction.
Common misconception
Does doubling mass double acceleration?
Students hold net force fixed and use their measurements to test the effect of mass.