Challenging the Constant: A Video-Analysis of Frictionless Assumptions Towards Validating Newton’s Second Law

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

21st Century Learning and Innovations (CLI)

School Name

De La Salle University

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Tizon, Melbert, B.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online- https://zoom.us/j/91936856247?pwd=oCMfMsh44I2wb0dYsEgoInDJy59bOq.1 Meeting ID: 919 3685 6247 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study aims to address the time-dependent and idealized acceleration models in introductory physics experiments that aim to verify Newton’s Second Law of Motion, to provide representative validation metrics relative to the experimental reality of acceleration. By leveraging the video analysis software Tracker, the experimental reality of acceleration was inductively obtained to calculate the total friction of a given trial. The total friction versus the normal force was linearized to obtain the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) for residual analysis against friction-incorporated and idealized acceleration models. The friction-incorporated model decreased the dependence of percent errors on higher cart masses, increasing accuracy and consistency, but decreased the precision of the idealized model. The findings provide empirical support for linear relationships between pulley friction and increasing mass and for nonlinear relationships between CoF and increasing mass. Therefore, the investigation of nonlinear CoF in the development of representative physical models proves crucial in validating Newton’s 2nd Law.

Keywords

Video Analysis; Tracker; Friction; Newton’s Second Law; Atwood System

Statement of Originality

yes

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Challenging the Constant: A Video-Analysis of Frictionless Assumptions Towards Validating Newton’s Second Law

This study aims to address the time-dependent and idealized acceleration models in introductory physics experiments that aim to verify Newton’s Second Law of Motion, to provide representative validation metrics relative to the experimental reality of acceleration. By leveraging the video analysis software Tracker, the experimental reality of acceleration was inductively obtained to calculate the total friction of a given trial. The total friction versus the normal force was linearized to obtain the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) for residual analysis against friction-incorporated and idealized acceleration models. The friction-incorporated model decreased the dependence of percent errors on higher cart masses, increasing accuracy and consistency, but decreased the precision of the idealized model. The findings provide empirical support for linear relationships between pulley friction and increasing mass and for nonlinear relationships between CoF and increasing mass. Therefore, the investigation of nonlinear CoF in the development of representative physical models proves crucial in validating Newton’s 2nd Law.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_CLI/4