Newton’s second law

Measure cart velocity and calculate gravity within few steps.

Study the relationship between force, mass and acceleration.

Using the NeuLog motion sensor NUL-213 and the connectivity module BLT-202

Watch the video to see how NeuLog makes it simple

Newton’s second law of motion was the first to define accurately the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. The acceleration is linearly proportional to the net applied force in the same direction. The net force is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration:

F = m • a

According to Newton’s second law, the cart’s acceleration is equal to the force that gravity exerts on the mass hanger minus the friction force, divided by the total weight of the cart and the mass hanger (with the 50 g mass):
F = f_gravity– f_friction

If you did not use the absolute value for the friction force and it is negative, add the gravity force (of the mass hanger) to the friction force (the F will stay the same).
M represents the mass of the cart (0.4 Kg with the slotted masses). m represents the mass hanger with the slotted mass (0.05 Kg).
m_T = M + m
F = m_T • a_F
f_gravity– f_friction = m_T • a_F
a_f = f_gravity– f_friction / m_T
f_gravity = m • g
a_F = ((m • g) – f_friction) / m_T

m = 0.05 Kg

M = 0.4 Kg

m_T = 0.45 Kg

g = 9.8 m/s²

f_friction = 0.21N
m_T = 0.45 Kg

a_{F calculated} = ((0.05 Kg • 9.8 m/s²) – 0.21N) / 0.45 Kg = 0.28 N / 0.45 Kg = 0.62 m/s²

The calculated a_F is very close to the measured a_F
(0.62 m/s² in our example)..

Find more experiment you can make with the Motion sensor