How to Pull Something Heavy
Students use a Newton spring scale to measure the pulling force of a LEGO car.Copyright 2011 Irina Igel, AMPS GK-12 Program, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Students measure and analyze forces that act on vehicles pulling heavy objects while moving at a constant speed on a frictional surface. They study how the cars interact with their environments through forces, and discover which parameters in the design of the cars and environments could be altered to improve vehicles' pulling power. This LEGO® MINDSTORMS® based activity is geared towards, but not limited to, physics students.
Understanding forces and how they interact with their environments has enabled engineers to create vehicles with amazing pulling power, such as tow trucks, fork lifts and tractors, and even snowmobiles and tugboats. One early stage of the engineering design process involves analysis of a project design using conceptual physics and mathematical models, which are used to develop a description of how objects interact with one another. Through these models, engineers are able to better problem-solve, understand, troubleshoot and improve the design of their projects, devices or products.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify forces and draw a free body diagram of a vehicle pulling on a heavy object.
- Describe the connection between force of friction and weight of the object.
- Explain the difference between pulling force and force generated by the motor.