Name_____________________
Per____
Lab
Newton’s Second Law: F=ma
Problem: What will happen when a quarter and a dime collide with each other?
Hypothesis: I think_____________________________________________________________
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Materials: One quarter, One dime, a ruler & a flat surface
Procedure:
1. Place the quarter and the dime 6 inches apart on a flat surface.
2. Place your pointer finger on top of the quarter and push/slide it so that it collides into
the dime. Note what happens to both coins.
3. Repeat step 1. This time, place your finger on top of the dime and push/slide it so that
it collides into quarter. Note what happens to both coins.
4. Have each team member repeat steps 1 through 3.
Diagram-Picture of Set-up: Draw a quick sketch of the set-up described in the “procedure” in
the box below. Remember to use labels when appropriate.
Observations: (Describe, in detail, what happened?)
When the quarter hit the dime:________________________________________
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When the dime hit the quarter:________________________________________
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Analysis:
1. What did you have to do to get the two coins to move the same distance after the collisions?
How does what happened explain force = mass x acceleration?
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2. With this activity in mind, can you explain why a batter takes a large swing to hit/knock a
ball over the fence for a homerun?
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3. Explain Newton’s 2nd law of motion?_____________________________________________
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