Mechanics: Atwood Machine

PIRA Class: 1G10.40

Purpose:
To determine the acceleration of a system that experiences a constant applied force

Description:
The acceleration of a system in motion is measured using two slightly unequal masses hung over a "frictionless, massless" pulley.

1. Hang (and balance) two sets of masses on the pulley string

2. Add a minimal mass to one side of the system - just enough until gravitational forces on the system overcome the moving friction of the pulley (i.e., system will move with a constant velocity when given a small nudge to overcome pulley's static friction)

3. Transfer a small mass from the none friction mass side to the friction mass side to start the system accelerating slowly, making time measurements for the rate of fall possible.

Measure the difference in mass between the two sides, the total mass of the system, the time and the distance that the system falls through to determine acceleration.

Equipment:
Large pulley, ring stand, string, Atwood masses, meter stick

Location:
Shelves 124 (pulley and masses), 152/153 (ring stand and clamps), string is in a drawer across from the door to PHYS-102