Physics Lesson 1-4

Forces in One Dimension

Module Introduction

Module Introduction
Lesson 1: Force and Motion
Lesson 2: Weight and Drag Force
Lesson 3: Newton’s Third Law
Module Wrap-Up

ENCOUNTER THE PHENOMENON

How do wing suits help BASE
jumpers control their velocity?

FORCES IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

LAUNCH LAB

Procedure
1. Read and complete the lab safety form.
2. Tie a piece of heavy cord around the middle of a

book. Tie one piece of lightweight string to the
center of the cord on the top of the book. Tie
another piece to the bottom.

3. Cut a piece of timer tape approximately

50 cm in length, insert it into the timer, and
tape it to vehicle 1. Label the tape with the
vehicle number.

LAUNCH LAB (continued)

3. While someone holds the end of the top

lightweight string so that the book is suspended
in the air, pull very slowly, but firmly, on the end
of the bottom lightweight string. Record your
observations.
CAUTION: Keep feet clear of falling objects.

4. Replace the broken string and repeat step 3, but

this time pull very fast and very hard on the
bottom string. Record your observations.

LAUNCH LAB (continued)

Analyze and Interpret
5. Which string broke in step 3? Which string broke

in step 4?

6. Construct and Use a Model Draw a diagram of

the experimental setup. Use arrows to show the
forces acting on the book and explain what
happened when more than one force acted on
an object.