Carl Perez

Mass and Acceleration

Aim: To observe the effect of mass on the acceleration of the dynamic trolley.
Hypothesis: It is hypothesised that mass and acceleration are inversely
proportional with each other i.e. an increase in mass will lead to a decrease in
the acceleration and vice versa.
Equipment:

Dynamic Trolley
150cm of string
One 25g mass
One 250g mass
One 500g mass
Two 1kg mass
Masking tape
Bench mounting pulley
Stopwatch
Metre ruler
Flat horizontal surface (table)

Method: One metre was measured on a flat table. Each end of the metre ruler
was marked on the table with masking tape indicating the start and finish of the
one metre. The pulley was attached on the edge of the table in line with the start
and finish line. 150cm of string was firmly tied on the front of the dynamic trolley.
The other end of the string was attached to the 25g mass with masking tape.
The string was then carefully placed on the pulley ensuring the 25g was hanging
over the floor and the dynamic trolley was on the table. The dynamic trolley was
pulled back slowly to the start line and was held in place. After all equipment
were checked, the dynamic trolley was released. As soon as the dynamic trolley
was released, the timer was started and as soon as the dynamic trolley past the
finish line with its front bumper, the timer was stopped. Results were recorded.
This was then repeated for other masses on the dynamic trolley. The whole
experiment was then repeated twice.
Diagram:

Carl Perez

Results
The effect of mass on the time taken for the trolley to travel one metre.
Mass on the
trolley (g)

Time (s)
Test 1

Test 2

Test 3

Average (2.d.p)

2.73

2.80

2.89

2.81

500

3.94

3.94

3.81

3.90

1000

4.60

4.84

4.60

4.68

1500

6.22

5.90

7.24

6.45

1750

7.58

7.76

7.50

7.61

9
8
7
6
5

Time taken to travel 1metre (s)

4
3
2
1
0

500

1000

1500

Mass on the trolley (g)

Test 1

Test 2

Average

Linear (Average)

Test 3

1750

Carl Perez
Discussion: From the graph of the results we can see a general upward trend
where an increase in mass leads to an increase in time taken for the dynamic
trolley to travel one metre. Therefore, this means that an increase in mass leads
to a decrease in acceleration of the trolley. The validity of the experiment was
controlled by controlling the variables, keeping the experiment fair. Throughout
the experiment many variables were kept constant as to ensure validity and
these include the dynamic trolley, the weight at the end of the pulley, the
surface used, the distance of the course and the timer used. . By controlling
these variables, the experiments validity was increased along with its precision.
The main problem with validity was keeping the string exactly straight relative to
the pulley. In some of the tests, the string was slightly off from the pulley and
this couldve affected the precision of the experiment. By not keeping the string
straight relative to the pulley, the course was changed leading to a
shorter/longer course and thus affecting the time taken for the trolley to
complete the one metre. Reliability was ensured in the experiment through
repetition; the experiment was repeated twice. The general trend of the results is
an inverse proportion where an increase in mass leads to a decrease in
acceleration. This trend identified therefore means that the results are accurate
as it abides to Newtons second law of motion as it states The relationship
between an object's mass m, its acceleration a, and the applied force F is F =
ma. The experiment was precise as the results varied slightly i.e. there was no
big difference between the results (outliers). However, when considering the
experiments precision, the reaction time of the timer also needs to be
considered. The reaction time of a human being is approximately 0.25 seconds
which is a large possible error considering the results; 0.25 seconds is about a
10% error range on our test with 0 grams on the trolley. To reduce this error,
instead of using humans to time the time it takes for the trolley to travel the
metre we can use technology such as a scanning/measuring device to determine
the time it takes for the trolley to travel the one metre. Using technology can
significantly reduce the error range however the cost of such technological
devices must be considered. Overall, the experiments reliability, precision,
accuracy and validity was ensured to the best of our abilities however the main
problem in the experiment was caused due to random error (reaction time of
humans).
Conclusion: The hypothesis made was correct as mass is inversely proportional
to acceleration.