Force of Friction on a Block
An horizontal force is applied to a block resting on a rough surface. Displayed are the various forces acting on the block as it move along the surface. The mass of the block, the applied force, and the coefficient of friction can be altered. Friction on a Block QT Movie
Block on an Incline Plane
A block is pushed up an incline plane by an force parallel to the incline plane. The coefficient of friction between the block and the incline plane, the applied force, the angle of the incline plane, and the mass of the block can be varied. Displayed are the resulting forces acting on the block as it moves up or down the incline plane. Block on Incline Plane QT Movie
Contact Forces between Two Block Joined by a Rigid Rod
Two blocks on a horizontal, frictionless surface are connected by a rigid rod. One block is pushed by a horizontal applied force that can be varied. Displayed are the action-reaction, contact forces between the three bodies: block A, block B, and the rod. Also displayed are the associated Newton's Second Law equations for each body, plus that for the total system of the two blocks and the rod.
Gravity and a Constant Force Act on Ball
The action of two constant forces acting on an object are shown. One force is gravity and the other is a constant applied force. The object is seen to accelerate in the direction of the net force.
Blocks Joined by a Rope
Two blocks are connected by an inflexible cord. The blocks rest on a frictionless, horizontal surface. A constant horizontal force is applied to one of the block but not the other. The direction and magnitude of the applied force can be altered to observe the resulting complex motion and interaction between the two blocks.
Air Resistance on a Projectile
The effects of both air resistance and gravity on a ball projected in to the air can be investegated. A drag constant can be varied to change the amount of air resistance. When the air resistance is large enough the ball will approach a terminal velocity quickly.
Sliding Block accelerated by a Hanging Block
A block that is resting on horizontal surface with friction is connected to a hanging block by a inflexible cord passing over a frictionless pulley. Initially the blocks is held in place by an external force. The applied force can be varied to extend problem to more complex problem. The masses of the blocks and the coefficient of friction can be adjusted. Also displayed is equations for the block and the bob associated with Newton's second law. Sliding and Hanging Block Problem - Connected Blocks QT Movie (460K)
Bound Stacked Blocks
Two blocks are stacked on top of each other. The top block is restrained from moving by a horizontal cord attached to a wall. The bottom block is pulled out from underneath the bound block. The mass of the blocks, the applied force, and coefficient of friction can be varied. Bound Stacked Blocks Problem
Pushing Stacked Blocks
Two stacked blocks are pushed along by a force applied to the bottom block. If the force is small enough neither block will move. If the force is just right then both blocks will accelerate together. If the applied force is large enough then the top block will slide off the bottom block. The mass of the blocks and the coefficient of friction can be varied. Pushing Stacked Blocks Problem - Pushing Stacked Blocks QT Movie(320K)
Double Pulley System
Two pulleys are used to connect two blocks. One block is hung from one of the pulleys while the other block rest on a horizontal surface. One end of a cord is attached to the ceiling and its other end to the horizontal block. When the hanging block is released the system will accelerate. Displayed are the forces, the velocities, and the accelerations of the blocks. Double Pulley Problem
Block on Wall
A block is penned to a vertical wall by an Force Applied at an angle. The static force of friction's resistance to the block's motion creates a range of condition over which the block will not slide down or up the wall. Block on the Wall Problem and Block on Wall QT Movie (396K).