AP Physics: Newton's Laws and Inclined Planes
Task
Lesson Purpose A clear understanding of Newton’s Laws comes from careful experimentation and analysis of data. Only by changing one variable at a time while keeping others constant, can you determine how it affects an object’s acceleration. Narrative In this task, students: Plot graphs of factors like the mass of the block, forces applied to it, the angle of the incline, and the coefficient of static friction to uncover their impact on the acceleration of a block kept on an inclined plane. Create free-body diagrams and derive algebraic expressions that correlate with features of the graphs (such as slopes and intercepts) they have drawn. Explain how the concept of limiting friction leads to a piecewise relationship on a graph, a feature not observed with any of the other variables of interest. Standard Overall, the task addresses the following goal of the AP Physics 1 curriculum: 2.5.A Describe the conditions under which a system’s velocity changes. How Tuva Enhances the Lesson By bringing together data analysis with the traditional tools of AP Physics (most notably the use of algebra and free-body diagrams), Tuva allows for a richer and deeper understanding of Newton's Laws, all packed in a single task involving complex concepts, including inclined planes and friction. ![]320
What is common to the following situations? A car rising up a hill A child playing on a slide A ship using a ramp to unload cargo A skier going down a mountain peak A student of physics will immediately recognize these as situations involving inclined planes! One of the many reasons Newton’s Laws are so important in physics is how they help us make predictions about numerous, seemingly unrelated situations using a single framework. The scenario we will explore in this activity is one such situation: the inclined plane. ![A slanted roof, a skateboard ramp, a person in a wheelchair going up a ramp, and a coffee funnel.]320 Let's find out what inclined planes can tell us about Newton's Laws, and what Newton's Laws can tell us about inclined planes!
Topics and standards: Physics, Velocity, Acceleration, Grades 9-12, AP Sciences, AP Physics, Assessment