Suggested Activity: Phone Sensor + Simulation
Student group handout for using the phone accelerometer webpage, the live force arrows, and the scale-reading calculation.
Elevator Phone Accelerometer Simulation
Place the phone flat in a lift, calibrate while stationary, then watch the live acceleration, predicted scale reading, and normal force change as the lift starts, stops, and travels.
Sensor status
Not started
Live elevator model
N = W
Lift acceleration
0.00
m s^-2, upward positive
Normal force
600
N = m(g + a)
Scale reading
60.0
kg shown by a scale
Equation: N - mg = ma, so N = m(g + a)
Interpretation: upward acceleration gives N > W, zero acceleration gives N = W, downward acceleration gives N < W.
Digital Activity: Auto-Marked Lift Forces
Use the live model above, answer one step at a time, and get adaptive hints when the physics is not yet secure.
Score 0 / 36
Mastery: Getting started
Mass60 kg
Acceleration0.00 m s^-2
Normal force600 N
Scale60.0 kg
Start with the current simulation values. The auto-marker accepts small rounding differences for numerical answers.
Scaffold question
Try this simpler number pattern, then return to the main question.
Teacher Analytics Log
Teacher Pack: Phone Sensor Lesson + Key
Lesson plan and answer key matched to this browser accelerometer simulation. Each document includes the live simulation link at the end.