Atwood Machine: Reduce Exp Errors By Stabilizing Masses

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an Atwood Machine setup, specifically focusing on the impact of a string tied to the bottoms of two masses. Participants are exploring how this configuration might reduce experimental errors in the context of physics experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the nature of the experimental errors and how the addition of the string could influence the results. There is an exploration of the assumptions underlying an ideal Atwood Machine and considerations for mitigating imperfections in the setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about the specific experimental errors and the role of the string. Some guidance has been offered regarding the assumptions of the Atwood Machine, but no consensus has been reached on the implications of the string's presence.

Contextual Notes

Participants are referencing external resources, such as a Wikipedia article, to inform their understanding of the Atwood Machine and its ideal conditions. There is a noted lack of clarity regarding the definition of experimental errors in this context.

wiccabean21
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Homework Statement



String that is equal in length to the string connecting the pulley is sometimes tied to the bottoms of the two masses, where it hangs suspended between them. Explain why this would reduce experimental errors.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure but does the string help stabalize the masses when one is dropped so they travel the exact same distance?
 
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wiccabean21 said:

Homework Statement



String that is equal in length to the string connecting the pulley is sometimes tied to the bottoms of the two masses, where it hangs suspended between them. Explain why this would reduce experimental errors.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure but does the string help stabalize the masses when one is dropped so they travel the exact same distance?

The question asks why it helps to reduce experimental errors. It's not referring to mechanically stabilizing anything.

What are the assumptions for an ideal Atwood Machine? What keeps you from being able to build an ideal/perfect AM? What could you do to mitigate these imperfections?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atwood_machine

.
 
But I don't understand what the experimental errors are... how could string have affected it in any way?
 
wiccabean21 said:
But I don't understand what the experimental errors are... how could string have affected it in any way?

Did you read the link that I posted? The clues are in there. (Or in your textbook's description of the AM)
 

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