Physics Project help What relationships should there be?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a senior physics experiment involving the stopping of a computer fan using an electromagnet. Participants explore the relationships between the time it takes for the fan to stop and the resistance applied, as well as the calculations of angular and linear momentum and torque. The scope includes conceptual understanding, experimental design, and mathematical modeling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the relationship between stopping time and resistance, seeking advice on data collection and calculations for momentum and torque.
  • Another participant questions the significance of linear momentum in the context of the experiment, suggesting that the motion is circular and emphasizing the need for a mathematical model.
  • A later reply reiterates the importance of developing a mathematical model to describe the system, indicating that it may not necessarily be solvable but is essential for understanding the experiment.
  • There is a request for clarification on what constitutes a mathematical model, with an acknowledgment of the participant's lack of familiarity with the theory and confusion from online resources.
  • Supportive responses emphasize that physics can be challenging and encourage the participant to start with the mathematical model.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relevance of linear momentum in the experiment, and there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the development of a mathematical model and the theoretical background needed to support the experiment.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the participant's understanding of the theoretical concepts involved, as well as a lack of clarity on how to construct a mathematical model for the experiment.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students engaged in similar physics experiments, particularly those exploring concepts of momentum, torque, and the application of mathematical modeling in experimental physics.

peglegmeg152
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I am currently doing a senior physics experiment where we are stopping a computer fan (with steel glued on to the blades) with an electromagnet, and measuring the time it takes to stop at varied resistances (using a rheostat).

I also need to calculate the angular and linear momentum and torque (and possibly other things). I am confused about what relationship should form between the time the fan takes to stop and the resistance - as well as how to go about collecting enough data to calculate the other things (momentum etc.)

Any help/advice/suggestions would be MUCH APPRECIATED!

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you think linear momentum is going to be significant here? Doesn't everything move in a circle?

You need to think about the mechanics of your experiment, make a mathematical model of it, and write the resulting equations. Sounds like you have not done this yet. Give it a shot and see what you come up with before asking for too much help.
 
OldEngr63 said:
Why do you think linear momentum is going to be significant here? Doesn't everything move in a circle?

You need to think about the mechanics of your experiment, make a mathematical model of it, and write the resulting equations. Sounds like you have not done this yet. Give it a shot and see what you come up with before asking for too much help.

I'm not sure about linear momentum - my teacher told me to include it. Thanks for your reply, but I don't understand what you mean by a mathematical model. Sorry, I must seem very thick - but we haven't been taught much of the theory and the info on the internet is quite confusing for the beginner! Could you start me off?

Any of your help is very much appreciated.

Thank you!
 
A mathematical model is simply a system of equations that describe what is happening in your system. They may, or may not be solvable, but they are still your best effort to descibe the system operation.
 
peglegmeg152 said:
I must seem very thick

No, not at all. Physics is a hard subject to grasp and we are here to help.
Start off with the mathematical model, and we'll see what you come up with.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Relationship between Drag Force & Viscous Torque on USA Football
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravity machine force calculations assistance needed
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad Calculating power output on a spin bike
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
High School Help with science experiment magnets/force/acceleration/speed
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Foucault's Pendulum Recreation for Physics Project
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
14K
High School Understanding Physics for Coding Collision of 2 Balls
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
High School The physics of flywheel launchers (like tennis ball shooters)
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
7K
Graduate Senior Project - Quadcopter with Rotating Arms
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Modeling the damping of a physical rigid pendulum
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Relationship of Power and Driving Force
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
11K