Effects of net force acting on a table in Force – Class 8 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Force

Activity Name: Effects of net force acting on a table in Force

Activity Description:

In this experiment, you will investigate the effects of net force on a heavy wooden table. The objective is to understand how the table’s movement is influenced by the combined forces applied to it in different directions.

Required Items:

1. Heavy wooden table
2. A friend to assist in the experiment

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Place the heavy wooden table on a flat surface.
2. Attempt to push the table in one direction and observe how hard it is to move on your own. (Fig-12a)
3. Ask your friend to join you in pushing the table in the same direction as you. (Fig-12b)
4. Note your observations regarding the ease of moving the table when both of you apply force together.
5. Now, ask your friend to push the table from the opposite side while you continue to push in the original direction. (Fig-12c)
6. Observe if the table moves and in which direction it moves in this scenario.
7. If the table moves when pushed from opposite sides, note the direction of its movement.

Experiment Observations:

• Pushing the table alone requires more effort (Fig-12a).
• When both you and your friend push the table together in the same direction, it becomes easier to move (Fig-12b).
• If the table is pushed by you and your friend from opposite sides, its movement depends on the relative magnitudes of the forces applied.

Precautions:

1. Ensure the table is placed on a flat surface for accurate observations.
2. Take care not to exert excessive force that could damage the table or cause injury.
3. Have a clear communication plan with your friend during the experiment to avoid accidents.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

1. When forces act on an object along a straight line and are in the same direction, the net force is the sum of all forces.
2. Combining forces in the same direction makes it easier to move the table.
3. When forces act in opposite directions, the net force is equal to the difference between the two forces.
4. The direction of the net force determines the direction of movement of the object.
5. Sign convention must be used when adding forces to account for their directions.