University of Science and Technology

Of Southern Philippines

Alubijid|Balubal|Cagayan de Oro|Claveria|Jasaan|Oroquieta|Panaon|Villanueva

Performance
Innovative Task
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
ES 203: Dynamics of Rigid Bodies

Submitted by:
Flores, Imma Concepcion T.
Gella, Lowell Jay G.
Inting, Allandrei Gabriel G.
Lambiguit, Prexie Art Pahuyo
Lligunas, Jevie M.

ME-2C

Instructor
Engr. Nelson T. Corbita Jr.

April 6, 2024
 Kinetics of Particles : Newton’s Second Law
“Exploring the Relationship between Mass and Acceleration in

Ball Rolling Down an Inclined Ramp”

I. Introduction

Newton's Laws of Motion are a fundamental fact that applies to everything in the vastness of
our world, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest celestial entities. These three
straightforward but deep ideas were developed by the visionary scientist Sir Issac Newton in the
seventeenth century. They have influenced scientific research to this day and have molded our view of
the physical world.

Born in 16th century, Isaac Newton was the lone child of wealthy local farmer Isaac, who
passed away a few months before Newton had been born. Newton was a tiny, frail premature infant
who was not supposed to live. According to an article about Newton’s life, Newton was not supposed
to have an outstanding life as he is arranged by his parents to do farming on a farm land. Newton,
however, unsurprisingly is not interested in the life of farming and decided to finish his education. Fast
forward many years, he achieved so many great things specifically on the field of physics where he
was known as the father of the modern physics. Newton also produced advances in mathematics.
According to Newton's theory, light is made up of particles and white light is a composite of all the
hues in the spectrum.

With the exception of energy, almost all of the fundamental ideas in physics are covered in his
seminal work Principia, which ultimately aids in his explanation of the laws of motion and the theory
of gravity. Newton and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz are credited with creating the
fundamental calculus theories. Granted by his achievements, one of his great works that still is one of
the most important knowledge areas of our world is Newton’s 3 laws of motion.

Newton’s 2nd law of motion is a numerical representation of the alterations that a force is
capable of producing in a body's movement. His second law defines a force to be equal to change in
momentum (mass times velocity) per change in time. Momentum is defined to be the mass m of an
object times its velocity V. The equation that follows can be used to mathematically express the
relationship between force, mass, and acceleration:

F = ma, or
 Force = mass x acceleration

According to the law, an object's acceleration is determined by its mass and the force exerted
on it. The law of force and acceleration is another name for Newton's second law of motion. In relation
to it, an object's acceleration is directly proportional to the net force applied on it and inversely related
to its mass. An object's acceleration increases with an increase in the force exerted upon it. An object
experiences a decrease in acceleration as its mass increases.

II. Theory/Concept

The theory of kinetics of particles deals with the motion of particles and bodies under the influence
of forces. The second law of motion, formulated by Sir Isaac Newton, states that the acceleration of
an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Mathematically, it's expressed as F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass of the object, and a is
the acceleration produced. This law is fundamental in understanding how objects move in response to
forces applied to them.

Newton's second law of motion pertains to the behavior of objects for which all existing forces
are not balanced. The second law states that the acceleration of an object is dependent upon two
variables - the net force acting upon the object and the mass of the object. The acceleration of an object
depends directly upon the net force acting upon the object, and inversely upon the mass of the object.
As the force acting upon an object is increased, the acceleration of the object is increased. As the mass
of an object is increased, the acceleration of the object is decreased.

Newton's second law of motion can be formally stated as follows:

The acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly

proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same
direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass
of the object. This verbal statement can be expressed in equation
Figure A: A person pulls on a cart of mass m with force F and, as a result,
form as follows: the car accelerates in the direction of the pulling force. If twice the force is
applied, the acceleration of the cart is multiplied by two. If the mass of the
cart being pulled is multiplied by a factor of two, its acceleration is divided
by a factor of two.
a = Fnet / m
The above equation is often rearranged to a more familiar form as shown below. The net force is
equated to the product of the mass times the acceleration.

Fnet = m • a

In this entire discussion, the emphasis has been on the net force. The acceleration is directly
proportional to the net force; the net force equals mass times acceleration; the acceleration in the same
direction as the net force; an acceleration is produced by a net force. The NET FORCE. It is important
to remember this distinction. Do not use the value of merely "any 'ole force" in the above equation. It
is the net force that is related to acceleration. As discussed in an earlier lesson, the net force is the
vector sum of all the forces. If all the individual forces acting upon an object are known, then the net
force can be determined.

III. Concept Applied in Real-Life

One example of a Real-life application of kinetics of particles is a free fall. A ball is dropped
from a certain height. When a ball is dropped, gravity causes it to accelerate downwards towards the
ground. During free fall, gravity is the only force acting on the ball, causing it to accelerate at
approximately 9.8 m/s² near the Earth's surface.

In this scenario, we used a ball weighing 2 grams and changed the mass of the ball. We can see
that a person is trying to hold the ball from falling because once the person puts away his/her hand
from the ball, the ball is freely falling from the wood plank. The ball has a constant acceleration due
to its gravity, and the mass is independent of its acceleration.

To analyze this scenario well, we will use the equations of motion from physics, such as
kinematic equations. These equations can help calculate various parameters of the ball’s motion, such
as velocity, displacement, and time taken to fall.

In computing the final velocity of the ball, we used the squared of the initial velocity plus two
times the acceleration times delta x. In the mathematical method, we used this as

VF2 = Vi2 + 2aΔx

Vf = Vi + at

Where:

Vf = is the final velocity

Vi = is the initial velocity

a = acceleration

t = time

Δx= displacement

In computing its displacement, we then used one-half times initial velocity plus final velocity
times time to the power of 1. In mathematical method,

𝟏
Δx = 𝟐 (𝒗𝟏 + 𝒗𝟐 )𝒕𝟏

Where:

𝒗𝟏 = initial velocity

𝒗𝟐 = final velocity

𝒕𝟏 = time
 To understand the concept more clearly, let's consider a scenario where a man is skiing down
a slope, slowly accelerating. When the man reaches his maximum speed, the force he experiences upon
collision is directly proportional to his mass and the rate at which his velocity changes during the
impact. If the man is heavier, he will exert more force on the surface he collides with than a lighter
man, assuming all other variables remain the same. As the man falls, his kinetic energy increases while
his potential energy decreases with decreasing height.

A heavier man's greater force of impact can cause more severe damage to both him and the
surface or object with which he collides. Depending on the materials involved, the energy transferred
during the collision may cause deformations, fractures, or other types of damage. Additionally, a
heavier man in free fall, like heavier vehicles, may require a longer stopping distance if it hits. This
can affect the man's rebound, absorption, and deflection during impact.

A heavier man's increased force and momentum during a collision can increase the likelihood
of an accident, particularly if the impact is sudden or unexpected. The mass and velocity changes of
the man during the collision influence the risk of injury or damage.

Whether it’s a ball, a man skiing, or any other object that can freely fall, it has an advantage in
terms of impact force and energy transfer during collisions. However, it also has a higher risk of
causing damage or injury due to its increased mass and momentum. It is crucial to understand these
principles to predict the outcomes of collisions with free-falling objects and implement appropriate
risk-mitigation measures.

IV. Data Gathered and Calculations

Calculations (excluding air resistance):

Kinematic Equations:

𝑽𝟐𝒇 = 𝑽𝟐𝒊 + 𝟐𝒂𝜟𝒙

𝑽𝒇 = 𝑽𝒊 + 𝒂𝒕
𝑽𝒙 = 𝒙 + 𝑽 𝒕 + 𝟏 𝒂𝒕𝟐
𝒊 𝒊
𝟐
𝟏
𝜟𝒙 = {𝒗𝒊 + 𝒗𝒇 } 𝒕𝟏
𝟐
Force Equations Used:

• Fnet = Fsinθ – FR
• N = Fcosθ
• FR = μN

Angle Used: 250

Length of the Hypotenuse: 1.65m

Gravitational Constant: 9.81 m/s2

Material: Rubber Ball, Wooden plank

Rolling Resistance (Rubber to Wood) = 0.05

Mass of the ball per Trial:

TRIALS BALL
MASS
1. 2g
2. 7g
3. 12g
4. 17g

CALCULATING THEORETICAL TIME TAKEN FOR ALL TRIALS:

1. 2g

Free Body Diagram of the Problem:

FR

2g FG

μ = 0.05

25°
Trial 1: m = 2g, Δx = 1.65m, g = 9.81m/s2, 𝜽 = 𝟐𝟓°

Force Equation: Fnet = Fsinθ – FR

Where:

• Fnet = ma
• Fsinθ = mgsinθ
• N = mgcosθ
• FR = μN = μmgcosθ

𝒎𝒂 = 𝐦𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 − 𝝁𝒎𝒈 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽

0.002𝑎 = ((0.002g)(9.81m/s^2) sin 25°) − ((0.05)(0.002)(9.81) sin 25°)

8.242 × 10−3 − 8.891 × 10−4

𝑎=
0.002
𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟓 𝟐
𝒔

The following are the kinematic formulas used:

VF2 = Vi2 + 2aΔx

Vf = Vi + at

Finding Final velocity and time taken:

m
Vi = 0 m/s, a = 3.70145 s2

𝑣𝑓 = √02 + 2(3.70145)(1.65)
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 = 3.49497
𝑠
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑖 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖 3.49497 𝑠
𝑡= =
𝑎 (3.70145)𝑚/𝑠^2
𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟒𝟒𝟐𝟏𝟔 𝒔
 2. 7g

Free Body Diagram of the Problem:

FR

7g FG

μ = 0.05

25°

Trial 2: m = 7g, Δx = 1.65m, g = 9.81m/s2, 𝜽 = 𝟐𝟓°

𝑚𝑎 = mg sin 𝜃 − 𝜇𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃

0.007𝑎 = ((0.007g)(9.81m/s^2) sin 25°) − ((0.05)(0.007)(9.81) sin 25°)

8.242 × 10−3 − 8.891 × 10−4

𝑎=
0.007
𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟓 𝟐
𝒔

Finding Final velocity and time taken:

m
Vi = 0 m/s, a = 3.70145 s2

𝑣𝑓 = √02 + 2(3.70145)(1.65)
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 = 3.49497
𝑠
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑖 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖 3.49497 𝑠
𝑡= =
𝑎 (3.70145)𝑚/𝑠^2
𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟒𝟒𝟐𝟏𝟔 𝒔
 3. 12g

Free Body Diagram of the Problem:

FR

12g FG

μ = 0.05

25°

Trial 3: m = 12g, Δx = 1.65m, g = 9.81m/s2, 𝜽 = 𝟐𝟓°

𝑚𝑎 = mg sin 𝜃 − 𝜇𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃

0.012𝑎 = ((0.012)(9.81m/s^2) sin 25°) − ((0.05)(0.012)(9.81) sin 25°)

8.242 × 10−3 − 8.891 × 10−4

𝑎=
0.012
𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟓 𝟐
𝒔

Finding Final velocity and time taken:

m
Vi = 0 m/s, a = 3.70145 s2

𝑣𝑓 = √02 + 2(3.70145)(1.65)
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 = 3.49497
𝑠
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑖 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖 3.49497 𝑠
𝑡= =
𝑎 (3.70145)𝑚/𝑠^2
𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟒𝟒𝟐𝟏𝟔 𝒔
 4. 17g

Free Body Diagram of the Problem:

FR

17g FG

μ = 0.05

25°

Trial 4: m = 17g, Δx = 1.65m, g = 9.81m/s2, 𝜽 = 𝟐𝟓°

𝑚𝑎 = mg sin 𝜃 − 𝜇𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃

0.017𝑎 = ((0.017)(9.81m/s^2) sin 25°) − ((0.05)(0.017)(9.81) sin 25°)

8.242 × 10−3 − 8.891 × 10−4

𝑎=
0.017
𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟓 𝟐
𝒔

Finding Final velocity and time taken:

m
Vi = 0 m/s, a = 3.70145 s2

𝑣𝑓 = √02 + 2(3.70145)(1.65)
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 = 3.49497
𝑠
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑖 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑚
𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖 3.49497 𝑠
𝑡= =
𝑎 (3.70145)𝑚/𝑠^2
𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟒𝟒𝟐𝟏𝟔 𝒔
TRIAL (MASS) ACCELERATION TIME TAKEN ACTUAL TIME
TAKEN
1. 2g m 0.944216 s 0.99 s
3.70145
s2
2. 7g m 0.944216 s 0.98 s
3.70145 2
s
3. 12g m 0.944216 s 1.01 s
3.70145 2
s
4. 17g m 0.944216 s 0.98 s
3.70145 2
s

Graphs:

Acceleration vs Mass change

4
3.70145 3.70145 3.70145 3.70145
3.5

3
Acceleration, m/s^2

2.5

2
acceleration
1.5

0.5

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Mass, in grams
 Time taken vs Mass change
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
Seconds

1
0.944216 0.944216 0.944216 0.944216
0.8 time taken
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Mass, in grams

THEORETICAL VS ACTUAL
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
Seconds

1 0.99 0.98 1.01 0.98

0.944216 0.944216 0.944216 0.944216 time taken
0.8
0.6 actual time taken
0.4
0.2
0
0 5 10 15 20
Mass, in grams

Across all trials that has different masses, the Acceleration of the ball didn’t change with mass.
Therefore, the Time taken for the ball to reach the bottom of the ramp is same across all trials, as
explained by the kinematic equation:
𝑽𝟐𝒇 = 𝑽𝟐𝒊 + 𝟐𝒂𝜟𝒙
𝑽𝒇 = 𝑽𝒊 + 𝒂𝒕
𝟏
𝒙 = 𝒙𝒊 + 𝑽𝒊 𝒕 + 𝒂𝒕𝟐
𝟐
𝟏
𝜟𝒙 = {𝒗𝒊 + 𝒗𝒇 } 𝒕𝟏
𝟐
 V. Observations

According to the Second law of Motion F=ma, an object is independent on its mass during a
free fall since the acceleration here is always at a constant 9.81m/s2. However, we decided to use a
ramp and the gravitational acceleration is modified into 9.81m/s2 sin (theta), since the direction of the
ball is changed because of the ramp angle. As we let the ball roll onto the ramp, and measure its time
taken to reach the bottom, we noticed that they are all similar values despite having different masses.
This observation confirms the validity of Second of Law of Motion, since in theory the speed and time
taken would be constant no matter how large the mass difference is, and as a result, they would reach
the final displacement at the same time.

VI. References

Isaac Newton. (2024b, February 22). Biography. https://www.biography.com/scientists/isaac-newton

Newton’s Laws: force and acceleration | Texas Gateway. (n.d.).

https://www.texasgateway.org/resource/newtons-laws-force-and-acceleration

Newton’s second law of motion. (n.d.). https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-

3/Newton-s-Second-Law

Pope, R. (2024b, February 28). What is Impact Force and How to Protect Against It. Sorbothane.

https://www.sorbothane.com/technical-data/articles/what-is-impact-force-and-how-to-

protectagainstit/?fbclid=IwAR224gs9HEbmnGO0bGJnI8QXm9bBiyBjiIIboBaIq1oh7u52YQ

2OBwfRM_aem_AcWaPI_s3nVvu5CmGsyAsm4oLGb5jcmGgPjYb2HMg_mgMFWFRrf2a

KNwYPaf7s7OydoVOICoHImJtrC3MuIPb#:~:text=Impact%20force%20is%20a%20force,th

e%20impacted%20entity(s)

Byju’s. (2022, July 4). The potential energy of a freely falling object decreases continuously- What

happens to the loss of potential energy-. https://byjus.com/question-answer/the-potential-

energy-of-a-freely-falling-object-decreases-continuously-what-happens-to-the-loss/

What are 3 factors that affect the speed of a free falling object? (n.d.). Quora.

https://www.quora.com/What-are-3-factors-that-affect-the-speed-of-a-free-falling-object