In their design for the experiment, students should include the procedure of conducting 5 trials, pulling each block of wood in the same way for each trial. The correct answer is option D.
This procedure is the most appropriate for determining how much force is needed to move blocks of wood of different masses slowly across a lab table.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of why Option D is the correct choice:
1. The objective of the experiment is to determine the force required to move blocks of wood with different masses. To obtain accurate results, it is essential to minimize the influence of other variables and focus solely on the relationship between mass and force.
2. By conducting 5 trials, students can gather sufficient data to analyze and draw meaningful conclusions. Repetition helps ensure reliability by accounting for any variations or errors that may occur in a single trial.
3. Pulling each block of wood in the same way for each trial ensures consistency in the applied force. This means that the students should use the same method, technique, or apparatus to move the blocks in every trial. Consistency allows the students to isolate the effect of mass on the force required.
By following this procedure, the students can collect data on the force required to move blocks of wood with different masses. They can then analyze the results to observe any patterns or trends, helping them understand the relationship between mass and force.