In our mass-pulley experiment we observed some interesting principles of Newtons 2nd law of motion.
The method involved measuring the electrical discharge from a small battery , which powered a small pulley system, responsible for lifting .25 grams or less.
The laws we observed in this experiment pertain to “variable mass systems”, for example, a rocket burning fuel as it ascends, therefore adding variance to the mass of the rocket, and the force of the thrusters. Variable mass systems need to have an adaptive power source, which can provide the right amounts of force as the mass of an object increases or decreases.
We observed a positive correlation between mass and battery discharge. Meaning, The battery worked harder when the mass was greater. When the mass lifted by the battery was constant, the relationship between force and acceleration was postively constant. When the mass was NOT constant Newtons 2nd law didn’t and can’t be applied to the experiment, because the mass is variable.
The relationship between force and acceleration can be described like this : F=MA. The force acting on a body is proportionate to its mass times acceleration. Our data does not agree with the 2nd law, it simply can’t be applied here because the mass is variable
In summary, we observed that F=MA when the mass is constant, but variable mass systems require a different method for determining energy usage v. acceleration and mass.
The nature of these laws, at their core, are about motion and the conservation/expenditure of energy, we should always be looking for ways to apply fundamental laws of conservation to ubiquitous technology like mass transit and industrial energy.
***our results are available via the link at the top of this post
Thank you for reading!
Tim Main