Classical mechanics laboratory

A cart sits on a short track. The cart’s mass is how much stuff it contains, measured in kilograms (kg); the “Mass” slider is at 1 kg. A push is a force, measured in newtons (N); use the “Applied horizontal force” slider to change it. Change only the applied force, leave the mass alone, and compare how the cart moves. Each station explains its controls, measurements and idealised conditions.

Predict first: as you raise the applied horizontal force from zero, when does the cart start to move? Then run it and read “Acceleration” and “Normal force”: acceleration is how much velocity grows each second, and normal force is the ground supporting the cart. Return to your prediction and check it. Recordings and tables stay in this page until you leave or reload it. Export any table you want to keep before doing so.