Lyzinski Physics
Using Computers and Physics Probes to Investigate
an Inclined Pulley Problem.
Purpose: To analyze an inclined pulley scenario in a non-traditional way. To
learn how physics probes can be much more efficient than other
methods of calculating an object’s acceleration.
Lab Equipment: Laptop computer, linear rotary motion probe, sensor CPU,
power cord inclined plane, motion cart, pulley, string, ring
stand, various size masses, C-clamps, track angle, track clamp
(for track to ring-stand connection)
Set-up: See picture below.
Background information:
Since a weight is being dropped, you might think that its acceleration must be 9.8
m/s2. However, in this lab, the dropped weight will be pulling another mass
behind it, slowing it down considerably. However, the system as a whole will be
accelerating. In past labs, we have used ticker tape timers to measure the
acceleration of moving objects. We could have used a ticker tape in this lab. We
would have marked the tape, created a D-T graph, and then created a V-T graph.
To find the acceleration, we would have ________________________________.
However, in this lab we wil allow a motion probe to measure the motion (instead
of the ticker tape timer) and we will allow a computer software package to
construct the graphs (instead of doing so for ourselves ). Finally, we will
analyze the graphs to find the acceleration of the given system.
Theoretical calculations:
Using only the variables shown, write an equation for the acceleration of the system.
Assume that the acceleration due to gravity is g. This equation, its final form, should be
placed on the line below. When you are finished, rearrange the variables so that the
coefficient of friction, , is by itself. Write these two formulas on the lines below.
m1


Acceleration formula: ____________________________________
Coefficient of friction formula: ___________________________________
m2