Modified Atwood’s Machine
Abstract
We can take a systems approach to calculating the the acceleration of an Atwood’s machine. Imagine that the masses are a
combined mass (m1 + M2).
M2 increases the speed of the combination.
M1 reduces the speed of the combination.
We can apply Newton’s Second Law to the combination.
Do the theory
Objective
In this experiment I will calculate the acceleration due to
gravity, g, by using a modified Atwood’s machine.
Apparatus and Setup
Set of slotted weights
String
Track
Smart Pulley
Photogate
Lab Quest 2 (set to Pulley mode)
Do a sketch
Expectations
I expect the acceleration due to gravity, g, to be
Data Collection and Analysis
Set up the modified Atwood’s machine as in the sketch. Release
the hanging mass and press play on the LabQuest. Press stop
before the cart hits the pulley. Use the analysis tool to find the
acceleration of the system. Record the hanging mass and the
acceleration. Move a mass from the cart to the hanging mass
and repeat the process.
Data
Produce a graph from which your slope will give you, g.
Be clear how you choose the points for your slope and
how you calculate the slope. Don’t forget units.
Summary
I calculated the acceleration due to gravity, g, to be ...
Sources of Error.
For the future