Mechanics > Newton's Laws > Third Law DCS# 1H10.xx

COLLISION CARTS AND FORCE SENSORS


pair of carts with force sensors on track

APPARATUS

track 113B
two collision carts
101-05-G1
two force sensors, set to 50 N scale 101-05-B2
500 g bar masses
101-05-G3
string
202-02-C3
laptop and Vernier interface
101

DESCRIPTION

Use the force sensors to show that when the carts interact, the forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.  There are different attachments for the force sensors for elastic or inelastic collisions, or for pulling or pushing.  Add masses to one to show that relative mass is not a factor.

NOTES

Open the "third law" experiment file.  Enter the calibration information into the file.  Set the force sensors to their 50 N scales.  Secure the sensors to the carts and zero them. 

Use the rubber stopper attachment for elastic collisions, clay for inelastic collisions and hooks and string for pulling.


graph of force 1 and force 2 vs time