Embedded Files
Lesson overview
Lesson overview
In this lesson you will:
explore a Physics simulation to learn about the Law of Universal Gravitation
create a table of data by changing one variable only.
Intentions and criteria
Intentions and criteria
Learning Intentions:
To understand that you only change one variable in a fair test.
To understand that all objects exert a force of gravity on other objects in the Universe.
To be able to conduct a scientific investigation to identify trends and the relationship between variables.
Success Criteria:
I can use my observation and investigative skills to answer questions on the gravity simulation I undertake.
I have successfully recorded data from the investigation into a table.
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Some of the activities in this lesson are must do activities. These are also called a mini challenge. Please have a go at the should do activities and reach out to your teacher if you need assistance. You could also spend some extra time problem solving a solution to these challenges. Finally, there are super challenge activities, the could do activities. We strongly encourage you to try these.
Activity 1: Investigating the variables that impact the force between two masses
Activity 1: Investigating the variables that impact the force between two masses
Background information
Background information
Did you know that the computer in front of you is exerting a force on you and vice versa? Did you know that this force is equal in both directions?
This force is gravity and we are going to explore this in more detail in this interactive lesson.
Insert bad joke: I was going to tell a joke a joke about gravity… I knew everyone would fall for it…
Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces (Gravitational force, Electromagnetic force, Strong nuclear force and Weak nuclear force), yet it is the dominant force in the Universe for shaping the large-scale structure of galaxies, stars, planets etc. The gravitational force between two masses m1 and m2 is described by the relationship:
Not to worry, you don't need to remember the formula!
Not to worry, you don't need to remember the formula!
In this equation:
F is the Gravitational force between two objects measured in Newtons (N).
G is the Universal Gravitational Constant with a value of 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2kg-2.
m1 is the mass of one massive body measured in kg.
m2 is the mass of another massive body measured in kg.
r is the separation between them measured in metres (m).
This equation is often called the "Law of Universal Gravitation" and G is described as the universal gravitation constant. It is an example of an inverse square law force. The force is always attractive and acts along the line joining the centres of mass of the two masses. The force acting on each of the two masses are equal in size but opposite in direction, obeying Newton's third law.
Read the information above carefully.
Watch this YouTube video to deepen your understanding.
While you watch complete the following in your exercise book or folder.
List 3 facts.
Write down 2 things you found interesting.
Record 1 question you have about gravity and planetary motion.
Now, any new words or words you are unsure of so far?
Now, any new words or words you are unsure of so far?
If so, research their definition, write them in your exercise book or folder, or create a digital document and insert a picture to help you remember them. (Only do this if needed. )
Activity 2: Playing with a gravity simulation
Activity 2: Playing with a gravity simulation
To complete the following tasks use the embedded simulation below.
The picture here should help with navigating and using the simulation.
First things first… just have a play.
Answer this question in your exercise book or folder.
What variable/s can you change to impact the magnitude (size) of the force?
Hint
Hint
A variable is something you change.
You can try to answer this question in your exercise book or folder.
Why is the force of m1 by m2 and m2 by m1 the same magnitude but in the opposite direction?
Answer this question in your exercise book or folder.
What variable has the biggest impact on the magnitude (size) of the force? Support your reasoning with some evidence.
Activity 3: Gathering data from a gravity simulation
Activity 3: Gathering data from a gravity simulation
Now you will conduct a fair test to investigate the effect of ONE variable on the size of the gravitational force.
First, choose a variable to investigate (change), keeping all other variables constant (the same).
Next, collect and present your findings in a table. You can use the Google Doc template below or draw up the table in your exercise book or folder.
Hint: Remember to make your headings clear and include units.
Answer the following questions either in your exercise book or folder, or in the same Google document underneath your data table.
What impact did the variable you chose have on the size of the force?
How have you ensured that your investigation is a ‘fair test’? Explain your answer.
What trend did you notice with the data?
Congratulations, you have just done some very cool Physics!
Congratulations, you have just done some very cool Physics!
If you want to explore more you could enrol in Khan Academy and tackle more on Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
Handing in your work
Handing in your work
Don't forget to hand in the work you completed today!
Your teacher will have told you to do one of the following:
Upload any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your Learning Management system (MS Teams, Google Classroom for example).
Email any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your teacher.
Make sure you keep any hand written work you did in your exercise book or folder as your teacher may need to see these when you are back in class.
Student reflection
Student reflection
Show how you feel about today's learning.
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