Make the forces visible
Explore how applied force, friction, and mass change motion.
Use this simulation when the difference between force, velocity, and acceleration still feels abstract. It explores horizontal motion rather than an inclined plane.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Try an experiment
Open Forces and Motion: Basics. In a motion or acceleration activity, choose a fixed mass and compare what happens when you change the applied force. Where friction controls are available, compare the same push with and without friction.
Make a prediction before changing a control.
Notice the distinction
A force can change the motion without pointing in the direction the object is currently moving. Try to distinguish the direction of velocity from the direction of acceleration.
Return to paper
Sketch the forces for one situation you explored. Identify the net force and predict the acceleration direction before checking the simulation again.
This external simulation is provided by PhET Interactive Simulations at the University of Colorado Boulder.