Download PHET Forces and Motion Basics Simulator Classwork

Physics – PHET Forces and Motion Classwork
Name: ___________________________
Period: _____
Setting up
 Work with a partner.
 Log onto a computer, and open the simulator.
o Method 1
 www.google.com
 Search “PHET forces and motion basics.”
 Click the first link.
 Select the play button on the image.
 You should now be able to operate the applet.
o Method 2
 https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/forces-and-motion-basics/latest/forces-andmotion-basics_en.html
 Select the play button on the image.
 You should now be able to operate the applet.
 Experiment with the controls until everyone has reached this stage. Your teacher will give you
further instruction on how to proceed.
Select “Net Force” from the bottom of the screen or main menu, check the boxes on the top right of
the screen, then respond to the following:
1. With what force does the smallest size person pull on the cart?
2. With what force does the intermediate size person pull on the cart?
3. With what force does the largest size person pull on the cart?
4. If all three pull on the cart in the same direction, what is the magnitude of the net force?
5. What is one arrangement of people that you could use to establish static equilibrium?
6. Describe a different arrangement of people that would establish static equilibrium.
7. Suppose the cart’s mass is 100kg. Also, construct a scenario where a small person tugs against a
large person. What is the acceleration of the cart?
(Use Newton’s 2nd law)
Select “Motion” from the bottom of the screen or main menu, check the boxes on the top right of the
screen, then respond to the following:
8. Place a single 50kg crate on the skateboard and apply a maximum force of 500N. Calculate the
acceleration of the crate.
9. Measure the time required to accelerate the crate from rest to maximum speed. What is this value?
(You can use the stopwatch on your phone or borrow one from Mr. Weist)
10. Using #s 8+9, calculate the maximum speed of the crate.
11. Place the 200kg refrigerator on the skateboard and apply a maximum force of 500N. Calculate the
acceleration of the refrigerator.
12. Approximately how many times larger/smaller is this acceleration than that of the crate?
13. Measure the time required to accelerate the refrigerator from rest to maximum speed. What is this
value? (Again, you can use the stopwatch on your phone or borrow one from Mr. Weist)
14. Approximately how many times larger/smaller is this value than that of the crate?
15. Using #s 11+13, calculate the maximum speed of the refrigerator. Also, explain why this is the case.
This next unit deals with friction in a much more complex manner than before. If you’ve completed
this worksheet, begin making observations of the other two modes in this applet.