This semester, the Honors Physics class has been conducting hands-on experiments to independently "discover" the fundamental laws of motion that govern our universe. Far from simply memorizing formulas, these students have engaged in collaborative research that mirrors the work of Sir Isaac Newton.
Unveiling the Invisible Hand: The Law of Gravity
The first great mystery tackled by the students was the nature of falling objects. In their Mass Drop experiment, students carefully timed objects dropped from known heights . By analyzing the time it took for objects of various masses to fall, they sought to quantify the forces involved.
Through data collection and analysis, the class confirmed the principle of uniform gravitational acceleration. Their findings revealed a single, constant acceleration value, regardless of an object's mass (when air resistance is ignored). This experience provided a tangible connection to the foundational concepts that eventually led to Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation, proving that the force accelerating objects is consistent and predictable across the board.
The students then moved on to investigating motion in two dimensions, seeking the mathematical relationship between forces, mass, and movement—Newton’s Second Law.
Using setups involving ramps and tabletop launches (similar to their recent Projectile Motion lab), the class demonstrated that horizontal and vertical motions are completely independent. This systematic investigation allowed the students to articulate the relationship: the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and its acceleration F=ma. They successfully established that force and acceleration are directly proportional, and mass provides a measure of inertia—the resistance to that force.
This hands-on, inquiry-based approach ensures that students leave the class not just with knowledge of physics, but with the critical thinking skills of a research scientist. The Honors Physics students are now well-equipped to tackle more complex phenomena, armed with the fundamental laws they have proven through their own hard work.