Experiment Description

Experiment

Experiment DL01    Atwood Machine

Objectives
  • Verify Newton's Second Law of Motion using the Atwood Machine
  • Estimate the acceleration from the velocity-time graph using the curve-fitting capability of a computer program
  • Investigate the change in acceleration by varying the net force while keeping the mass constant
  • Investigate the change in acceleration by varying the mass while keeping the net force constant
Description
In this activity, you will use a Photogate/pulley system to study the motion of an Atwood Machine. The Photogate/pulley system records the velocity of the system when the masses are let fall. The computer will plot the v-t graph. From the slope of the graph, the acceleration of the masses can be determined.

In Experiment 1, you will keep the mass constant and vary the net force acting on the system.

In Experiment 2, you will keep the net force constant and vary the total mass of the system.
Apparatus
Science Workshop 500/700/750 Interface [1]
Photogate/Pulley system [1]
string [1]
mass with hanger (refer to manual) [2 sets]
stand-and-clamp [1]
Experiment