The Atwood Machine Lab Essay Example

Objective

The objective of this experiment is to study Newton’s Second law of motion utilizing the Atwood Machine and to show that the acceleration is proportional to the force causing the motion. Theory Newton’s second law of motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to the total mass. a = net force/ total mass If an object is acted on by a net force , it will experience an acceleration that is equal to the net force divided by the mass.

Because the net force is a vector, the acceleration is also a vector, and the direction of the acceleration moves in the same direction of the net force acting on it.

Apparatus

• Rotary motion sensor
• Thin string
...
Weight
Hanger and weights
Computer PASCO model 700 interface
Printer
Procedure
1. Verify that the rotary motion sensor is mounted securely and stable.
2. PASCO model 700 interface must be turned on prior to turning on the computer.
3. Make sure the support rod is mounted so that the masses can move freely vertically without swinging.
4. Mount the rotary motion sensor and support rod on the table that have sufficient space for the masses to move up and down on either side of the rotary motion sensor. The axis of the sensor should be horizontal and higher that 1 meter above the floor.
5. Add weights until the load including the mass of the hanger on each side is 200g.
 
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