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Lecture Demonstrations Laboratory


The Demonstrations Manual


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Measurement
Motion In One Dimension
Motion In Two Dimensions
Newton's First Law
Newton's Second Law
Weighing
The Atwood Machine
Newton's Third Law
Statics Of Rigid Bodies
Applications Of Newton's Laws
Gravity
Work and Energy
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Properties of Matter

The Atwood Machine

Purpose:

To illustrate Newton's second law.

Procedure:

Place 1 500g weight and 1 50g weight on one side and 1 500g weight on the other. Weights can be added if desired. With one weight on the floor, measure the height of the other weight. Release the weights and measure the time taken for the weight to fall .
Compute the acceleration from s=1/2 at^2 and compare with g.

Comments:

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Equipment:

  • Timer
  • 1 2-meter stick
  • Atwood machine with attached pulley
  • Weights