Larger the mass smaller the acceleration in Laws Of Motion – Class 9 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Laws Of Motion
Activity Name: Larger the mass smaller the acceleration in Laws Of Motion
Activity Description:
The experiment aims to demonstrate the relationship between mass and acceleration, as described by Newton’s second law of motion.
Two ice blocks of different masses are subjected to the same force, and their respective accelerations are observed. The goal is to understand how mass affects an object’s acceleration when acted upon by the same force.
Required Items:
- Two ice blocks of different masses
- Smooth surface for the ice blocks to slide on
- Force applicator (e.g., a spring scale)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Stopwatch or timer
Step by Step Procedure:
- Place the first ice block of smaller mass on the smooth surface.
- Attach the force applicator (spring scale) to the ice block and apply a constant force in the direction of the intended motion.
- Measure the time it takes for the ice block to travel a fixed distance (e.g., one meter). Record this time as “t1.”
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 at least three times to ensure consistent results and calculate the average time taken for the ice block to cover the distance.
- Now, replace the first ice block with the second ice block of greater mass on the same smooth surface.
- Use the same force applicator to apply the same constant force in the direction of motion as in the previous case.
- Measure the time it takes for the second ice block to travel the same fixed distance (e.g., one meter) and record this time as “t2.”
- Repeat steps 5 to 7 at least three times and calculate the average time taken for the second ice block to cover the distance.
Experiment Observations:
- The ice block with the smaller mass (first block) will accelerate faster and take less time (t1) to cover the fixed distance.
- The ice block with the greater mass (second block) will accelerate slower and take more time (t2) to cover the same fixed distance, despite the same force being applied.
Precautions:
- Ensure the smoothness of the surface to reduce friction, which could affect the results.
- Handle the ice blocks carefully to avoid any damage or melting during the experiment.
- Keep the force applied constant and consistent throughout both trials.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
The experiment reinforces Newton’s second law of motion, indicating that the acceleration of an object is inversely proportional to its mass when the same force is applied. The greater the mass, the smaller the acceleration, and vice versa.
