Lab 2 Newton’s 1st Law Observations

Purpose: To observe and explain different real situations using Newton’s 1st law.

Method: Students will perform each situation then explain using Newton’s 1st law.

Vocabulary: Newton’s 1st law

Procedure: 1. Acquire the materials needed for one situation, perform the procedure. Write down the name of the experiment, what happened, then explain using Newton’s 1st law why it happened. 2. Return materials and acquire the materials for a different situation. Repeat for all situations.

Coin in glass: 1. Place the card atop the beaker and place a coin on top of the card. 2. Give the card a flick straight across quickly with your finger note what happens.

Three magnets: 1. Use a string to suspend one of the magnets from the crossbar. 2. Tie another string around a second magnet. 3. Arrange the 3 magnets as shown in the diagram. 4. Pull on the string slowly and note what happens. 5. Pull very quickly (jerk) on the bottom string and note what happens.

Swinging Ball: 1. In a safe place take a ball with string attached and swing it above your head. 2. Let go of the string and watch carefully the direction that the ball travels.

Stack of pennies: 1. Place a stack of 4 pennies on your lab table. 2. Place the 5th penny on the table in front and in line with the stack. 3. Fling the 5th coin at the stack straight on. Note what happens.

Toilet paper roll 1. Pull slowly on the toilet paper roll and note what happens. Then give a quick snap on the paper roll and note what happens. What difference do you see?

Table cloth pull: 1. Arrange the tablecloth so that about 1 foot of tablecloth is hanging over the edge of the table. 2. Set the plates, glasses, and silverware on the tablecloth. 3. When ready, quickly pull the tablecloth straight out (or down slightly, do not pull up) Inertia club: 1. Place the penny in the middle of the card. 2. Place the card on the middle or index finger. 3. Give the card a flick.

Inertia on the Head: 1. Fashion the coat hanger as it appears in the diagram. 2. Without touching the coat hanger or balls “how can I see the blue sphere”

Throwing the ball: 1. One person sit on Newton board holding the tennis ball. 2. Second person push the Newton board so it will travel in a straight line and at an approximate constant speed. 3. When it is at a constant speed, toss the ball 1 meter straight up in the air. 4. Note where the ball lands.

Penny talent: 1. Bend your arm so that your hand is near the back of your head and your elbow is level with your ear. 2. Place a coin on the flat part of your forearm near your elbow. 3. Quickly jerk your elbow down and catch the coin in the palm of your hand. 4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 several times, each time increasing the number of coins stacked on your arm.. How many can you catch without any falling on the floor?

Elevator: 1. Make this data table in your lab book leaving extra space for the explanation. 2. Stand on the electric scale while taking an upward and downward elevator ride. Carefully watch the scale and notice how the readings change for different parts of the ride. Record your observations in the scale reading column. 3. In the classroom fill in the force diagram and explanation columns.

Position Scale reading Explanation (more, less, same) Beginning Downward Middle End Beginning Upward Middle End