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2A Lab

Experiment 6: Atwood's Machine


(Smart Pulley)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED

table clamp, universal


Smart Pulley
thread
weight set (Cenco)

PURPOSE
The purpose of this laboratory activity is to study
the relationship between force, mass, and
acceleration using an Atwood's Machine apparatus.
THEORY
The acceleration of an object depends on the net applied force, and the mass. In an Atwood's
Machine, the difference in weight between two hanging masses determines the net force acting
on the system of both masses. This net force accelerates both of the hanging masses; the heavier
mass is accelerated downward, and the lighter mass is accelerated upward.

In the free body diagram of the Atwoods machine, T is the tension in the string, M1 is the
lighter mass, M2 is the heavier mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Assuming that the
pulley has no mass, the string has no mass and doesnt stretch, and that there is no friction, the
net force on M1 is the difference between the tension and M1g (T>M1g). The net force on M2 is
the difference between the tension and M2g (T<M2g).
T M1 g = Fnet = M1 a
M2 g T = Fnet = M2 a
Solve for a, the acceleration of the system of both masses. The theoretical acceleration is g
times the difference in mass divided by the total mass.

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Atwoods Machine

2A Lab

M M1

a = g 2
M1 + M2
PROCEDURE
For this activity, the Smart Pulley will measure the motion of both masses as one moves up and
the other moves down. The program calculates the changing speed of the masses as they move.
A graph of speed and time reveals the acceleration of the system. The gravitation g will be found
from the above equation.
PART I:

Computer Setup

1.

Turn on the interface, and turn on the computer.

2.

Connect the stereo phone plug of the Smart Pulley to Digital Channel 1 on the interface.

3.

Open the file Atwood's Machine in folder Mechanics, or you set up a new file.

PART II:

Equipment Setup

You do not need to calibrate the Smart Pulley.

1.

Mount a clamp to the edge of a table. Place the Smart Pulley in the clamp so that the Smart
Pulleys rod is horizontal.

2.

Use a piece of thread about 10 cm longer than the distance from the top of the pulley to the
floor. Place the thread in the groove of the pulley.

3.

Fasten mass hangers.

4.

Place about 100 grams of mass(M1) to one end of the thread and place slightly more than
100 grams (M2) to the other end.
* Next trail will add exactly the same amount of additional 10 grams mass to both ends.

5.

Move the heavier of the two masses upward until the lighter mass almost touches the floor.
Hold the heavier mass to keep it from falling. Turn the pulley so that the photogate beam of
the Smart Pulley is unblocked (the red light-emitting diode (LED) on the photogate does
not light).

PART IIIA: Data Recording Constant Total Mass


1.

Click the "REC" button. Let the heavier mass fall. Data recording will begin when the
photogate beam of the Smart Pulley is blocked.

2.

Click the "STOP" button to end data recording just before the heavier mass reaches the
floor.

Dont let the upward moving mass hit the Smart Pulley!
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Atwoods Machine

2A Lab

Run #1 will appear in the Data list in the Experiment Setup window.

3.

Click the graph display to make it active. Click Autoscale button to rescale the graph. Print
Active window to print the graph only.

ANALYZING THE DATA


Data Table
Trial
M1 (Kg)

M2 (Kg)

aexp
(m/s2)

Gcalculated
(m/s2)

gtheory
(m/s2)

#1

9.76

#2

9.76

#3

9.76

#4

9.76

#5

9.76

#6

9.76

#7

9.76

#8

9.76

#9

9.76

#10

9.76

% Diff.

9.76
9.76
Average

Use MKS units (Meters, Kilograms, Seconds).

1.

Calculate the g from the equation above. Calculate the percentage difference for your team.

2.

Calculate the average g and % for the class.

QUESTION
1.

Compare the experimental acceleration with the theoretical acceleration by determining the
percentage difference. What are some reasons that would account for the percentage
differences?

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Atwoods Machine

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