Physics 1
Dynamics Activity
Newton's First Law on an Air Track


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Purpose:

Demonstrate both parts of Newton's First Law

Equipment:

air track and glider

Description:

Be sure that the air track is level, and that it has room to move on the table.

You can demonstrate "objects at rest" by giving a sharp acceleration to the air track while the glider is at rest - HINT: Be sure that you have enough room to do this without sending the air track to the floor! Also, be sure that the air track moves along its long axis only - any sideways motion will make the glider move!

Demonstrating the "objects in motion" part of the 1st Law is pretty obvious, I hope.

Explanation:


last update January 6, 1997 by JL Stanbrough (Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome at jerry_stanbrough@bhs.batesville.k12.in.us)