Phet Lab Sim Forces & Motion Basics

Computer Simulation: Forces, Friction and Motion

Introduction

Today we will learn about how the force put on an object determines how it will move when there is no friction and when there is friction. Find the appropriate link on my resources page, OR:

1.       Go to this address: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/forces-­‐and-­‐motion-­‐basics and choose the sim under PHYSICS, MOTION  “Forces and Motion Basics”

2.       Click the button that says “Run Now”. It might take a few minutes to load Find the sim in your downloads folder & open it. If it says Java needs updated, click “Later”. The screen will look like this:

3.       All answers will be recorded on this document.

Explore

1.       Place a man on each side of the rope.

2.       Hit the “go” button.

3.       Hit the “Return” button. Try it again with either the same amount of men on each side or a different amount of men on each side.

4.       Hit the “Reset all” button. Click box next to “sum of forces” and “values,” continue putting men on each side.

5.       Hit the “Return” button.

Questions (Answer each question in the space provided)

1.       How can you make the blue side win?

2.       How can you make the red side win?

3.       How can you get a tie on both sides?

4.       If there was only one man pulling the cart what would the sum of forces consist of?