Keywords: IGCSE Prescribed Practical, Force, Acceleration, Trolley, Inclined Plane, Physics, Kinematic Equation, Friction, Mass, Gravity

Introduction: In this IGCSE Prescribed Practical experiment, we will investigate the relationship between force and acceleration using a trolley on an inclined plane. The force acting on the trolley will be calculated using Newton’s Second Law of Motion, which states that force is equal to mass times acceleration (F=ma). We will also use the kinematic equation v² = u² + 2ad to find the acceleration of the trolley.

Equipment Needed:

Trolley Inclined plane or adjustable ramp Stopwatch Meter ruler Pulley Masses (e.g., 100g or 200g) String Weighing scale

Step by Step Method:

1. Set up the inclined plane at a suitable angle. Ensure that the surface is smooth to minimize friction.
2. Measure the angle of inclination using a protractor and record the value (θ).
3. Place the trolley at the top of the inclined plane.
4. Measure the mass (m) of the trolley using the weighing scale.
5. Attach the string to the trolley and pass it over the pulley at the end of the inclined plane. Attach the masses to the other end of the string.
6. Measure and mark a specific distance (d) on the inclined plane using the meter ruler.
7. Release the trolley, allowing it to accelerate down the inclined plane. Use the stopwatch to record the time (t) it takes to travel the marked distance (d).
8. Repeat steps 7 and 8 at least three times, calculating the average time (t_avg) for increased accuracy.
9. Calculate the initial velocity (u) of the trolley, which is 0 m/s since it starts from rest.
10. Use the kinematic equation to calculate the acceleration (a) of the trolley: v² = u² + 2ad. (Note: Since u=0, the equation becomes v² = 2ad)
11. Calculate the force (F) acting on the trolley using the formula F = ma.
12. Analyze the results and draw a conclusion.

Expected Findings and Calculations: Using the kinematic equation and Newton’s Second Law of Motion, we can determine the relationship between force and acceleration. The kinematic equation v² = u² + 2ad can be used to calculate the acceleration (a) of the trolley. The force (F) acting on the trolley can then be calculated using the formula F = ma.

Conclusion: By performing this IGCSE Prescribed Practical experiment, you will understand the relationship between force and acceleration. This understanding is fundamental to physics and can be applied to various real-life scenarios and engineering applications.

Questions:

1. What is Newton’s Second Law of Motion?
2. What is the kinematic equation used in this experiment?
3. How do you calculate the acceleration of the trolley?
4. How do you calculate the force acting on the trolley?
5. Why is it important to repeat the experiment several times and calculate the average time?

Answers:

1. Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that force is equal to mass times acceleration (F=ma).
2. The kinematic equation used in this experiment is v² = u² + 2ad.
3. The acceleration of the trolley can be calculated using the kinematic equation v² =u² + 2ad. Since the trolley starts from rest, the initial velocity (u) is 0 m/s, and the equation becomes v² = 2ad.
4. The force acting on the trolley can be calculated using the formula F = ma, where m is the mass of the trolley and a is the acceleration.
5. It is important to repeat the experiment several times and calculate the average time to account for any inconsistencies or errors in the measurements, thus providing more accurate results.

• Practical Physics