C4-21 ATWOOD MACHINE

  • ID Code: C4-21
  • Purpose: Illustrate the second law of motion. Experimentally determine the acceleration due to gravity.
  • Description:
    This classic demonstration illustrates motion under the acceleration of gravity. When used carefully, approximate measurements can be made.

    Equal masses M of 200 grams are hung on the ends of a light string passing over a light, frictionless pulley. When an additional mass of 100g is hung on one end, the resulting acceleration can be measured by timing the motion of either mass over a distance S between two points. The acceleration of gravity g can then be calculated: g = a (2M + m)/m, where a is the acceleration of the system: a = 2S /t^2.
  • Availability: Available
  • Loc codes: C4, FS2, ME1

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