Module 3—Effects of Force on Velocity
Reflect and Connect
A 4.22 × 103-kg ambulance is on its way to the scene of a motor vehicle collision. The engine produces an applied force of 2.11 × 104 N. The force of friction (force opposing the motion) is 1.50 × 103 N. Use this scenario as a way to think about free-body analysis in a real-world setting. Be sure to consider all of the forces acting on the ambulance so you can determine the net force and observed acceleration of the vehicle. Remember how important it is to select and use appropriate coordinate axes and define the direction of the acceleration based on them.
Place your finished work in your Physics 20 course folder. Your teacher may require you to submit this question for review.
Discuss
Construct a flow chart that summarizes the process for constructing a free-body diagram and generating an equation for the net force acting along the x-and y-axes. At a minimum, include and define the following terms within your flow chart:
- friction
- weight
- applied force
- normal force
- coordinate axis
- net force
- observed acceleration
- vector magnitude and direction
Go to the discussion area ready to discuss your flow chart with other students, and modify it based on the discussion. After the discussion, you will submit your modified flow chart to your teacher for review.
Reflect on the Big Picture
Each of the Reflect on the Big Picture sections in this module will ask you to consider the movement of people or goods. To help you reflect on your learning experience in this lesson, complete at least one of the following activities:
- Brainstorm to create a list of situations where people move from place to place. Create a presentation with your situations on it. Mark each situation with a free-body diagram.
- Are the net forces acting on a dump truck the same when the truck is empty and when the truck is full of sand? Using free-body diagrams, explain the similarities or differences that exist when an empty dump truck turns a corner compared to a dump truck that is full of sand.
Store your completed reflection in your Physics 20 course folder.
Module 3: Lesson 4 Assignment
Remember to submit Module 3: Lesson 4 Assignment to your teacher for marking. You should also submit your completed work from Discuss and Reflect and Connect to your teacher for review.