Carter Sheehan Physics Portfolio Reflection

02-07-14

The basic idea that mass has no effect on an object that is launched is logic that my group
and I put to the test in the our assignment to test acceleration and the effect that mass had on it.
The lab tested the fundamental logic that most individuals believe in (without any prior
knowledge of physics.) The testing included using two marbles of equal size, but of different
masses and applying an external net force, a force that would cause the object to change in
motion, to launch each marble down a range that was ten meters in length. Each marble was
launched from a cannon that remained in a fixed position and was set to its max potential
energetic state. This ensured completely accurate data. Each launching of a marble was tested at
least three times at every angle on the cannon to ensure the data that was captured could be
repeated and recorded correctly.
Completing this lab, the fundamental logic that most would believe: mass does not have
an effect on acceleration, was tested and was disproved. My group and I concluded that mass
did, in fact, have an effect on an objects acceleration. This relationship between an objects mass
and the acceleration rate that it can reach is an inverse relationship. As an objects mass is
increased, but the force applied remains the same, the acceleration is decreased. If the applied
force is increased but the mass stays the same, the acceleration is increased. Concluding that
mass does have an effect on acceleration, this lab is completely true and powerfully contrasts the
idea that mass does not have an effect on acceleration. This was experienced in the launching
because the steel marble has a much larger mass than the plastic marble we also launched. This
lab was selected for reflection because it totally disproved my previous understanding of
acceleration. Completing this lab, I now fully understand the relationship between an object mass
and the acceleration rate it can reach.

Carter Sheehan Physics Portfolio Reflection
02-07-14
The most challenging part that was faced during this assignment was to eliminate the
factor of human error. My group and I found it very difficult to replicate data more than twice,
due to launching failures. The cannon being used was, on occasion, slightly changed in
position, or the method of releasing the launching mechanism was slightly altered in the time that
it took to release. Another factor that had to be accounted for was which launcher was being
used. This was not controlled and between days, the launchers were not documented for each
group so a launcher that could have been used day one may not necessarily be the same one the
following day.
In conclusion, the lab to launch two marbles of equal size but contrasting masses
challenged my basic understanding of an objects mass and acceleration. My group and I
concluded that the fundamental logic that mass has no effect on an objects acceleration is
incorrect and I now understand that as an objects mass is increased, the acceleration rate is
decreased.