PHYS 2425 – Engineering Physics I
LabPro
Laptop
Smart Pulley
Dual Range Force Sensor
Table Clamp with ring stand and clamp to support triple beam balance
In this activity you will use a rotational motion apparatus to make a measurement of the moment of inertia of several different objects. You will use the force probe as a hanging mass and to measure the tension in the string. The smart pulley will measure the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the string.
1. Design a procedure that will enable you to use the provided apparatus to determine the moment of inertia of the apparatus. What quantities do you need to measure, how can you use them? Your instructor will help you set up LoggerPro to simultaneously make measurements with the smart pulley and force probe.
2. Once you have determined the moment of inertia of the apparatus, use your procedure to make measurements of the other two pieces of metal provided. Compare the values you measured to the theoretical values computed from the expressions in table 9-1 (p. 274) of your text by computing the % difference.
3. You should have all of your data collected no later than the end of the period.
Your group should write a brief formal report that will be due in one week. Your report should be typed and should include the following sections:
Abstract
I. Introduction – Should include an explanation of the theory behind your method of measuring the moment of inertia.
II. Procedure – Should provide enough detail that a classmate who missed class could carry out the experiment based on your description
III. Data – Neatly organized in tables with text describing the content of the tables
IV. Analysis – Should show your determination of the measured and theoretical values of the moment of inertia and a comparison
V. Conclusions – Discuss how successful your method was, what improvements you could make, and what factors contributed to inaccuracies in your experiment.