The Thinking Experiment

Newton's Third Law Stations 1 and 4

Interactive Physics Simulation

Lab Guide

Before collecting data, assume sensors are zeroed and one force sensor is reversed so signs are consistent. Use the Sensor Setup control to simulate setup mistakes for the Station 4 challenge.

Station 1 · Collision 1

Use Collision 1, run the trial, and read both force curves at impact.

Station 1 · Collision 2

Switch to Collision 2 (heavier B) and compare speed change and force data.

Station 4 · Push Scenarios

Run the push presets, sketch predicted vs measured diagrams, then check what stays true.

Simulation and Force Graphs

Choose a scenario and click Run Trial.

Force vs Time (Graphical Analysis Style)

Run a trial, then hover or tap the graph to read force values.

Run Comparison

Run Scenario Peak |F| (N) Impulse A (N·s) Impulse B (N·s) Δv A (m/s) Δv B (m/s)

Controls

Station Prompts

Summary Metrics

Force Diagram Builder

Build vectors in the required format: Force On ____ By ____. Use one set for prediction and one set for measured results.

Add a vector to start your force diagram.

Vectors in Current Set