How can I design a lab to demonstrate F=ma using masses and pulleys?

  • Thread starter Thread starter sarahowen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    F=ma Pulleys
AI Thread Summary
To design a lab demonstrating F=ma using masses and pulleys, a simple setup involves connecting two hanging masses over a pulley and measuring the time it takes for the heavier mass to reach the ground. It's essential to test various mass combinations to observe differences in acceleration. Utilizing gravity as a constant form of acceleration is recommended for accurate results, and minimizing friction will enhance the experiment's effectiveness. A well-known example is Atwood's machine, which effectively illustrates the principles of motion and force. Incorporating these elements will provide a clear demonstration of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
sarahowen
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
I have to design a lab to support that F=ma. we are using masses and pulleys but I'm not sure how to set this experiment up. anyone got any ideas? :confused:
thanks in advance 4 any help u can give me
sarah
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There arte many posibel experiments with masses and pullys. But a lot of thm are about the efects of friction. A very simpel ekperiment might be just conecting 2 hanging masses over a pully and masure how much time passes until the havyer on reaches the ground. This should ofcourse be tasted with many diffrent masses on both sides.

By the way wathever experimet you set up it's usualy a good idea to use gravity as a form of acceleration. It is constant and you can easily control its size with a slide (the lass friction the beather).
 
Just take a general physics book full of exercises like Tipler. The most simple is the known as Atwood's machine: a pully with two masses.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Experimental Design: Pulley and Mass Hangers
Replies
30
Views
3K
Need maximum weight on an extension machine
Replies
2
Views
659
System of two pulleys and three masses
Replies
22
Views
6K
Acceleration of a mass lowered by a motor (Help with Non-Ideal Pulley)
Replies
4
Views
2K
Moment of Inertia with pulley and two masses on a string (iWTSE.org)
Replies
8
Views
12K
Trajectory of a mass element in a string overhanging a pulley
Replies
19
Views
2K
Finding the acceleration of two masses on a pulley system
2
Replies
66
Views
7K
Coefficient of kinetic friction lab
Replies
3
Views
1K
Torque of Pulley with Two Masses2
Replies
6
Views
2K
How Can I Improve My Algebra Skills for Solving Equilibrium Problems?
Replies
8
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top