In class we conducted an experiment exploring Newton’s 2nd Law, the Law of Conservation of Energy, velocity and acceleration, and power.  To do this we used a Lego Mindstorm Motor to lift weights using a pulley.  First, we kept the power level at 75 and took weights off the pulley to change the mass.  By taking off some of the weights on the pulley, we increased the rate of acceleration.  Then we kept the mass at 0.25kg  and changed the power level. By changing the power levels, we changed the rate of acceleration as well.  The higher the power level the faster the rate of acceleration.  All of our data was automatically recorded in Excel.  Then using Excel, we determined Potential Energy and Power.

After we did that we made graphs representing Power Level vs. Power, Battery Discharge vs. Potential Energy, Mass vs. Acceleration (fixed power level), and Power vs. Acceleration.

Newton’s 2nd Law was tested when we kept the power levels fixed and changed the mass and when we kept the mass fixed and changed the power levels.  The Law of Conservation of Energy was explored when we kept the power level fixed and observed battery drainage.