What is the Newton Tube?

By using this project, Newton’s laws of motion will be demonstrated by the relationship between mass, force and acceleration during free-fall. Objects in free-fall can only be influenced by the force of gravity. The gravity on earth is 9.8 m/s squared and for the objects in free-fall the force is equal to acceleration. When under free falling, no force is acting on the object (that is falling) except gravity. So with this, all objects fall with the same rate of acceleration, regardless of the objects mass. Gravity will accelerate the falling object (assuming it is falling towards the source of gravity). The acceleration will continue to impact (and will be constant) or will continue until the frictional force of the atmosphere comes into equilibrium with gravity. The velocity would remain the same until impact.

For this project, there are important items needed: a Newton tube, a feather and penny, and an air pump/ vacuum to suck all the air out of the tube. First you should place the feather and penny inside the tube, and make sure it is securely closed. Then, taking the air pump/vacuum, place it on the closing of the tube that has a lever so you can suck the air out of it. Once you think the vacuum has been held on for long enough, flip the lever the other way to be sure no air will be leaked back into the Newton tube (this can ruin your data), and there you go! You should be able to flip the tube and the feather and penny will fall at the same time.

Air resistance normally plays a role and air resistance is dependent upon the speed at which the object is falling. By using Newton’s second law of motion, we will be able to analyze the motion of objects free falling solely under the influence of gravity (free falling) and under the duel influence of gravity and air resistance.

While performing this experiment, adult supervision is recommended during the use of the air pump/vacuum part. One can never be too careful and the pump could potentially be dangerous.