Physics Lab Report

Physics 2111
Laboratory Manual
Original Authors: Lon Turnbull

and David Wagoner
Revised by: Brian Cudnik and
Midhat Asghar
Fall 2004
Table of Contents
The following is a list of experiments prepared for Physics 2111, General Physics
Laboratory. Of this list, ten to twelve will be selected by the instructor to be performed
this semester. Many of these labs involve use of the Macintoshes in NSCI 307 and the
DELL PCs in 301. In general, the computerized version of a particular lab is presented
along with the traditional version, giving the class a choice of whether or not to use the
computer interface equipment for that particular lab. By the end of Fall 2004, many of the
labs will be performed with the assistance of electronic workbooks, which guide the
student step-by-step through the experiment. The student would initially follow the
instructions in this manual, then transition to the workbook at a particular point in the
exercise. Help for using the computers and the computer-interfaced laboratory equipment
is located in a different manual.
Introduction (this document and the labs) ........................................................................3
1. Introduction to graphing and measurement / the calculation of density.......................8
2. Vectors on a force table .............................................................................................11
3. Introduction to computer interface experiments & linear air track: examples of onedimensional motion such as position, velocity, and acceleration ...................................14
4. Uniformly accelerated motion (acceleration due to gravity) .....................................17
5. Static and Kinetic Friction .........................................................................................21
6. Conservation of Mechanical Energy ..........................................................................24
7. Centripetal Force.........................................................................................................27
8. Computer Expt. Simulation (Classical Mechanics) ....................................................31
9. Conservation of Linear Momentum ...........................................................................33
10. Projectile Motion ......................................................................................................35
11. Torque, Equilibrium and the Center of Gravity........................................................37
12. Rotational Inertia of a Disk and Ring .......................................................................40
13. Buoyancy and Specific Gravity ................................................................................42
AppendixA CPU Physics Simulation Experiment......................................................45
Please note that several of these labs may be switched with exercises not included in this
manual, i.e. several lab periods are deemed to be instructors choice in terms of what
lab exercise will be done.
Introduction (to this Document and the Labs)

Introduction
This laboratory manual has descriptions of some of the laboratories which you will be
doing this term. It also explains some of the concepts required to be understood in order
to successfully complete this course. This laboratory manual is required reading material
for this course.
The student will be learning to apply the scientific method. Science is the study of the
interrelationships of natural phenomena and of their origins. The scientific method is a
paradigm that uses logic, common sense, and experience in the interpretation of
observations. The underlying basis of the scientific method is understanding through
repeatable experiments. No theory is held to be tenable unless the results it predicts are in
accord with experimental results.
A major problem is: how does one quantify data so that experiments can adequately be
compared? Physicists try to apply a rigorous method of error analysis, and then compare
results with respect to the inherent experimental errors. If two experiments produce
results that are the same to within experimental error, then we say that the experiments
have validated each other.
Error analysis
It is up to your instructor whether error analysis will be included in your lab assignments.
It is recommended for the University Physics Laboratories (Calculus-based, for Physics
and Engineering majors), but not necessarily recommended for the General Physics
Laboratories (Algebra-based, for non-majors). Since this is a manual for the General
Physics Laboratory, the discussion on error analysis will be limited to the percent
difference calculation.
In physics we often do experiments where we wish to calculate a value that has a
functional dependence on some measurable quantities, for example:
or
y = f (x, z)
y = f (x , x ,, x )
1
In some cases, we wish to determine how close our experimental value is compared to the
published result. This is usually performed by finding the percent difference between the
experimental value and the theoretical value. The percent difference is given by:
%diff =
(exp erimental theoretical )

100%
theoretical
In general, errors in measurement can readily be obtained in the following ways:

1. If only one measurement was taken, use the smallest scale division of the
measuring device.
3
2. If multiple measurements were taken:

use standard deviation function on your calculator.
or use the standard deviation formula:
Experimental Errors
personal: from personal bias or carelessness in reading an instrument (e.g.,

parallax), in recording observations, or in mathematical calculations.
systematic: associated with particular measurement techniques

- improper calibration of measuring instrument
- human reaction time
- is the same error each time. This means that the error can be corrected if
the experimenter is clever enough to discover the error.
random error: unknown and unpredictable variations

- fluctuations in temperature or line voltage
- mechanical vibrations of the experimental setup
- unbiased estimates of measurement readings
- is a different error each time. This means that the error cannot be
corrected by the experimenter after the data has been collected.
Accuracy: how close to the true value is the result

Precision: how much spread is in the data
- the more precise a group of measurements, the closer together they are
- high precision does not necessarily imply high accuracy
Significant Digits
- exact factors have no error (e.g., 10, )
- all measured numbers have some error or uncertainty
this error must be calculated or estimated and recorded with every
final expression in a laboratory report
the degree of error depends on the quality and fineness of the scale
of the measuring device 3
- use all of the significant figures on a measuring device. For example, if a
measuring device is accurate to 3 significant digits, use all of the digits in
your answer. If the measured value is 2.30 kg, then the zero is a significant
digit and so should be recorded in your laboratory report notes.
- keep only a reasonable number of significant digits
e.g., 136.467 + 12.3 = 148.8 units
e.g., 2.3456 0.4345634523 units 2.3 0.4 units
NOTE: hand-held calculators give answers that generally have a

false amount of precision.
Round these values correctly. As a rule, the final answer should have no more significant
digits than the data from which it was derived.
Graphing Techniques
The following graph is an example as to how you are to turn in a graph. Graphs are either
to be done on a computer or on quadrille-lined paper, for example, engineering paper.
Note that the graph has the following attributes:
1. Each axis has an informative title that contains the units of measurement.
2. There is a graph title.
3. The axes are computed such that the data nearly covers the complete graph.
4. There is a best fit straight line that most nearly goes through all of the data
points.
5. The graph is clearly linear because the data looks straight, and is a good linear
fit because all of the data points are near the best-fit straight line.
6. Since the data is linear it can be parameterized with the following equation:
x = xo + vt
7. This equation is similar to the standard equation of a straight line:
y = a + bx
where a is the y-intercept and b is the slope.
The data for this graph contains a possible example of systematic error. Either all of the
times are one second too large or the distances one meter too small as the best fit straight
line does not extrapolate through the point {0, 0} as is expected if the measurement was
started at zero.
Laboratory Report Format

The finer details of the Laboratory Report Format may vary from instructor to instructor,
but each will use a format similar to that described below. The student will hand in
written or typed reports. If you type the report, but do not have access to a proper
equation writer, then it is better to leave blank spaces and fill in the equations by hand.
For example: x + 2 is not the same as
, nor is x2 an acceptable substitute for x2.
Ambiguous equations are much worse than hand-written equations. Students are expected
to use the following laboratory report format:
Group Number:
Date:
Group Members:
Object: What is to be done in this experiment.
Apparatus: Apparatus used to perform the experiment.

Theory: The calculation equations used along with meaning of the symbols and units
used. Equations can be neatly hand written.
Data: Raw data in tables should be placed in this section. Sample calculations should be
shown. Error calculations should be shown.
Discussion: Include a discussion of some of the sources of experimental error or
uncertainty. If appropriate, should also include a comparison of various experimental
errors. For example: We found that our value of the density, within one standard
deviation, has a range of 2.68 to 2.78 103 kg /m3. The quoted value of the density for
aluminum falls within this range, and no other material densities fall within this range, so
our cylinder appears to be made of aluminum.
Conclusion: Short but comprehensive. Was the object of the experiment met?
For example: The density of the cylinder was found to be (2.73 0.05) 103 kg /m3. We
selected aluminum as the material composing our cylinder because the density of
aluminum, 2.70 103 kg /m3, is within the experimental error of our calculated density.
Safety Reminder
It will be necessary to follow procedures to ensure safety in each lab. Most laboratory
exercises do not present any significant danger, but some will require certain safety
measures to be followed. The general recommendation is to follow all safety instructions,
including those posted on the wall of the room you are in; if additional special safety
guidelines are needed, they will be printed for each lab needing them.
Introduction to Measurement / Calculation of Density

Purpose
The purposes of this experiment are to introduce the student to the Excel spreadsheet and
to use this program to learn how to draw graphs; to learn how to use Vernier calipers and
a micrometer; and to use the former to calculate the density of four cylinders, comparing
these values of density to identify each one.
Introduction and Theory

The Instructor will introduce the Excel spreadsheet utility in class, as well as demonstrate
the use of the Vernier calipers and the micrometer.
Density is defined as the mass of a substance divided by its volume.
m
=
v
The volume of a cylinder can be expressed as:
V = r 2 l =
where:
d 2l
V = volume
r = radius
d = diameter
l = length
= pi, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
Substitute the expression for volume into the expression for density to obtain a formula in
terms of the measurable quantities.
4m
= 2
d l
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Computer with Excel spreadsheet software

Lab balance
Vernier Caliper
Micrometer
Cylinders of four different types of metal
1
1
1
1
1 each
Procedure
1. The Introduction (to this Document and the Labs) section of this manual contains a
thorough introduction of graphing techniques to be used in class. We will start with a
simple exercise using the Excel spreadsheet to graph a set of points and to draw a
best-fit line through these points
a. Copy the following points into the Excel spreadsheet (likely default name
Book1). This book will ultimately be saved as an xls file to be included
with your lab report.
x
0.5
1.0
1.2
2.0
2.5
y
2.5
2.7
3.7
6.5
6.7
b. Having done that, click on the Chart Wizard button in the toolbar. A box
entitled Chart Wizard - Step 1 of 4 Chart Type should appear. Click
on XY Scatter under Chart Type, then click the Next button
c. Click on the Series tab, then the add button. Three editable boxes should
appear at right, along with an image of a graph in the upper part of the
box. Under Name, put Graphing Exercise, then in the X values:
box, click on the icon button found at the right end of the box.
d. The Chart Wizard box should be minimized now, at which point you can
go to the points and select which ones will be included as x-values. Click
and hold on the first data point x-value and continue to hold as you slide
the pointer (now a + sign) down to include all of the x-values. The
selected boxes containing the values should be highlighted with a box
defined by a moving dashed perimeter
e. When the points are selected, click the button icon on the minimized Chart
Wizard box to maximize it, then repeat for the y values
f. Click on Next and add the chart title (Graphing Exercise, if it is not
already visible), and x and y values (under the Titles tab, name them x
and y, respectively). You can also click on the other tabs and edit your
graph accordingly (it is recommended that under the Legend tab that
you deselect the Show legend box, this will make the plot area of the
graph larger since less area has to be devoted to the legend box)
g. Select whether you want the graph to show up as a new sheet or as an
object within the current sheet, and click on Finish
h. Finally, with the graph complete, select the graph itself by clicking once
on it (near the edge to select the graph and not just the interior), go to the
Chart button at the top and single-click on it to generate a drop-down
menu. Select Add Trendline from the list
i. A box will appear entitled Add Trendline. Select Linear as the chart
type. Click on the Options tab and select Display equation on chart and
also enter 0.5 for each of the two boxes under Forecast. Having done
that, write the equation of the line in your report. Also include the Rr value
(an index of goodness of fit) in your report.
j. Save your file as groupxphysyyyy-zzz.xls (the x is your group number, the
yyyy is the four digit number of this course, and the zzz is the three digit
section identifying number).
2. Next we will work with measurement and density. Measure the dimensions of the
four cylinders. Use the Vernier calipers to take at least three measurements of each
dimension and then use the average of each dimension for your length and diameter
values.
3. Use the balance to find the mass of each cylinder. What units did you measure in?
4. Use the equation for density to calculate the density of each cylinder from the
measurements that you have taken. Remember to convert the units of measurement to
SI units for calculation.
5. Of what type of matter is your cylinder composed? That is, does your calculated
value of density match reasonably well with the densities in the following table.
Aluminum
2.70 103
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Steel
Brass
Nickel
7.19 103
8.96 103
7.87 103
7.85 103
8.40 103
8.75 103
kg / m3
kg / m3
kg / m3
kg / m3
kg / m3
kg / m3
kg / m3
6. To find how close you are to the accepted values of density for each cylinder, use the
percent difference calculation. For example, in the case of aluminum, you would find
the percent difference using the formula on page 3 of this manual. The value given in
the table is substituted for the theoretical value in the formula, and your calculated
value is used in place of the experimental value in the formula. Include the percent
difference for each cylinder in your data table.
7. Use of the micrometer. (For this section write all measured values in micrometers.)
- What is the smallest scale division?
- What is the inherent error of measurement using a micrometer?
- Measure the thickness of one page in a book, as T1.
- Measure the thickness of 100 pages in the same book, as T2 .
- Is T2 /100 = T1?
- How much error do you expect?
- Why should this ratio hold? Why might it not?
- (Optional) For additional practice with the micrometer, measure several
additional small items. Each individual should measure the same object,
then compare the measurements to see how close (or how far apart) the
measurements are. The spread in several measurements is a reflection of
the standard deviation of the sample of measurements.
10
Vectors on a Force Table

Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to experimentally understand vector operations.

A vector is a mathematical object used to represent quantities, which have two (or more)
independent dimensions, such as magnitude and direction. The rules of scalar arithmetic
and algebra do not apply to vectors. Today we will examine the rules of algebraic vector
addition. There are three methods that can be used: graphical, analytical, and
experimental.
In two dimensions a vector can be defined by one of the following orthogonal
representations, Cartesian or polar coordinates:
A = Ax + Ay or A = {A, A}
Where , are unit vectors along the x and y-axes of a Cartesian coordinate system
respectively. In polar coordinates, A is the magnitude of the vector (its length) and A is
the angle to the vector as measured counter-clockwise from the positive x-axis of a
Cartesian coordinate system. Bold characters are vector quantities and non-bold
characters are scalar quantities. The projections of the vector A upon the Cartesian axis
are: (i.e., polar to Cartesian transformation)
Ax = A = AcosA, Ay = A = AsinA
To transform from the Cartesian representation to the polar representation:

A=
Ay
Ax2 + Ay2 , A = tan 1
Ax
The angle is measured counter-clockwise from the positive x-axis (which is defined to be
at zero degrees). A second vector can be defined as:
B = Bx + By
The sum of the two vectors is:
R = {R, } = A + B= (Ax + Bx) + Ay + By

R
To investigate the nature of vector addition experimentally we will use a force table to
add two vectors by measuring the net effect of the forces when the system is at
11
equilibrium. Newtons Second Law gives the following equation for forces acting on a
point when the acceleration of the point is zero:
n
F
i =1
= ma = 0
We are adding:
R=A+B
Which, when Newtons second law is applied, yields:

A+BR=0
This means that in order to achieve equilibrium on the force table, the resultant vector
must be placed in its complementary position.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Force Table with 4 pulleys

Four Weight hangers
Set of slotted weights (masses)
Including 3 of 50g and 3 of 100 g
String and ring assembly that usually comes with
the force table
Protractor
Ruler
Bubble Level
3 Sheets of Cartesian graph paper
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
Procedure
1. Given:
A has an angle of 30 and a mass of 200 grams

B has an angle of 120 and a mass of 200 grams
Change this information into the polar representation of a vector. It is necessary to
convert the units to kilograms and then express this as a force vector, that is, in
units of Newtons.
Find their vector sum by experimental, graphical, and analytical methods. Express
the experimental result in polar coordinates. Express the graphical result in
rectangular coordinates. Express the analytical result first in the basis vector
representation then convert it to the polar representation.
Refer to the experimental hints on the next page.
2. Compare the results from each of the three methods of part one. Which method do you
think gives the more accurate results? Why?
3. For the experimental results of part 1 show that: Fi = 0

4. Draw a picture of the force table top with all vectors used in part 1 labeled correctly.
5. What are some physical sources of experimental error?
12
6. Your instructor may give additional situations to work with experimentally on the
force table. One possible exercise involves finding the resultant of three masses at
three different angles.
Experimental hints:
1. Put 200 grams on A and B and then add masses to the negative of the resultant
and vary the angle of the resultant until the circle is balanced in the middle of the
force table. Dont forget to include the mass of the weight hanger. When this
occurs a state of equilibrium exists and the sum of the vectors should be zero.
2. Calculate the force on each vector in SI units. You will need to convert measured
values in grams to kg, and then remember that A is a force vector and so must be
in Newtons (A = mg). Values should be stated using 3 significant figures
13
Introduction to Computer Interface Experiments, the

Linear Air Track, and Linear Motion
(Adapted from Halliday/Resnick/Walker Probeware Lab Manual, 6th Ed., pp. 5-9,
2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to become familiar with the Data Studio software through an
investigation of basic linear motion. In doing so, the student gains an understanding of
the relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration and how these relationships
can be used to describe an objects motion.

Velocity is simply the change of position of an object over a unit of time. The velocity at
any instant can be obtained from the average velocity by shrinking the time interval t
closer and closer to 0. As the t approaches 0, the average velocity approaches a limiting
value, which is the velocity at that instant. In summary:
vins tan t = lim
t 0
x
t
Two features of the instantaneous velocity vinstant are noticed here. First, v is the rate the
particles position x is changing with respect to t, that is, v is a derivative of x with respect
to t. Second, v at any instant is the slope of the curve describing the particles position as
a function of time. Unlike speed, a scalar quantity that has a magnitude but not a
direction, velocity is a vector quantity with magnitude and direction.
When the velocity of the particle changes, it is said to accelerate. Considering its motion
along an axis, the average acceleration, aavg over a time interval t is given by:
a avg =
v 2 v1 v
=
t 2 t1
t
In summary, the acceleration of a particle is the rate at which its velocity is changing at
that instant; the velocity of the particle is the rate that the position is changing at that
instant. The acceleration at a particular point in time can be found graphically by finding
the slope at that corresponding point on the curve of v(t).
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Air Track with Air Supply

Laboratory Lift or Wooden block
Motion Sensor
Cart with rectangular 100 mm flag attachment
14
1
1
1
1
Science Workshop 750 Interface
Motion Sensor II
Procedure
1. Lift the end of the track closest to the computer using the wooden block or laboratory
lift and align the sensor.
2. The motion sensor should be set to the narrow beam setting (for distances up to 2 m
to reject false target signals or ignore air track noise) and placed on the support rod at
the high end of the track (which should be next to the computer).
3. Make sure the sensor is lined up with the sail, or rectangular flag (100 mm in
length) on the cart and nothing else is blocking the sensor. The sail should be set
perpendicular to the long axis of the track, to provide the maximum surface area for
the motion sensor to see.
4. (NOTE: at this point, the focus of the experiment switches to the electronic workbook
for this exercise. If this is available, and if instructed by your instructor, follow the
instructions in the e-workbook for performing this experiment. Otherwise, use the
instructions printed in this laboratory manual.)
5. Make sure two graphs (position and velocity) are visible on the computer display,
tiled adjacent to each other (one on top, the second on the bottom) at the largest size
possible. If this is not the case, notify the instructor or his assistant.
6. Hold the cart still about 15 cm in front of the motion sensor and click Start
to begin taking data. Keep the cart stationary for several seconds, then
release it (again making sure nothing is blocking the beam of the sensor).
7. If the plot is rough, try adjusting the tilt angle of the Motion Sensor and retake the set
of data. We can also tape a white index card or piece of paper to the sail to increase
its visible cross-section to the motion sensor.
when the cart has reached the end of the track.
8. Click Stop
9. Observations (Record in the Data Section of your Lab Report):
a. What is the shape of the position versus time graph (make a rough drawing in
your Data Sheet)?
b. What is the shape of the velocity versus time graph (again, illustrate this with
a drawing in your Data Sheet)?
10. Analysis (Record the answers to the following in the Results Section of your Lab
Report):
a. Using the tools available on the computer, find the acceleration from position
versus time. Heres how:
15
i. Highlight a smooth part of the position graph.

menu and select Quadratic Fit.
ii. Click the Fit
iii. The A is the coefficient of the squared term in the curve fit
formularecord the value of this coefficient.
b. Find the acceleration from velocity versus time:
i. Highlight a smooth part of the velocity graph.
ii. Click the Fit menu and select Linear Fit.
iii. The m value is the slope. Record the slope as the acceleration
c. Compare the two values of acceleration:
i. Multiply the value of A from part a by 2 to get the acceleration
based on position versus time and record this value.
ii. Compare this value to the slope (m) from part b of the Linear Fit
for the velocity versus time graph (this is the acceleration based on
velocity versus time).
11. Compute the % difference of your two values of acceleration and record this in the
conclusions part of your report. What were the sources of error from this experiment?
acc. position acc.velocity
x100%
% difference =
acc.velocity
Where acc.position is the acceleration (= 2A) you derived from the position versus time
graph and acc.velocity is the acceleration (= m) from the velocity versus time graph.
16
Uniformly Accelerated Motion (Due to Gravity)

Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to calculate the local value of acceleration due to gravity using
a linear air track apparatus.
Background and Theory

There are several approaches one can take to investigate acceleration due to gravity,
including freefall experiments with balls and picket fences (a clear rectangular plastic
piece with regularly spaced opaque bands used with a photo-timer to time the velocity
and acceleration of the object). The advantage of the linear air track apparatus is that the
action is slowed down for easier analysis. For completeness, in the procedures
section, three methods will be presented.
The air track apparatus features a nearly frictionless surface provided by air that emerges
through a series of small holes in the track. The force that causes the cart to accelerate
down the track is:
F = ma = mgsin
If the cart is started from rest then the initial velocity is zero and a parameterization for
the value of gravity can be derived as:
g=
where:
v 2f
2d sin
, vf =
x
h
, sin =
t
L
g = acceleration due to gravity

v f = final velocity of the cart
L = length used for elevation measurements
x = length of cardboard on top of cart
t = time for cart to go through photo gate
= angle of track
h = height adjustment to allow for uneven table
d = distance cart goes down the track, from its initial position to the center
of the photo gate.
17
h = (h2 h1) (h4 h3)
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
(Version A) Acceleration due to Gravity with the Air Track

Air Track
Laboratory Lift
Photo gates
Cart with rectangular 100 mm flag attachment
1
1
2
1
(Version B) Acceleration due to Gravity with Free Fall

Free fall apparatus (Computer Interface Version is preferred)
Support Rod and Base
Metal Ball
Meter stick
1
1
1
1
(Version C) Acceleration of a Freely Falling Picket Fence

Photo gate / Pulley System
Picket Fence
Universal Table Clamp
1
1
1
Procedure A (with Linear Air Track)

(Remember to write down all measured quantities!)
1. Level the air track apparatus. Then lift up one end of the track to a convenient angle
(about 3 degrees). Take measurements of the track in this position, including the
distance L between two photo gates (see #2). Calculate the angle. Be sure that you do
not move the air track for the rest of the experiment.
2. With one photogate near the x = 15 cm point on the air track and the other near the 180
cm point, use the apparatus to take five trials of the cart going through the photogates.
Note that Data Studio will have been set up to time the carts motion, either by the
instructor, or through the electronic workbook associated with this experiment.
Record your measurements to 4 significant figures. You will be taking measurements
using different units. Insure that you convert your measured values to the SI standard.
3. Calculate the average time and the standard deviation of this average.
4. Calculate the local value of acceleration due to gravity. Use the following calculation
formula:
2
L
x
g =
t 2dh
5. Is your value of g the same, within reason, as the accepted value:
g = 9.80 m / s2 ?
6. Find the percent difference between your value for g and the accepted value given
above using the percent difference formula in the introduction to this document.
18
Procedure B (with Free Fall)

(Remember to write down all measured quantities!)
1. The free fall timing apparatus should be set up, practice securing the ball in the
apparatus before beginning. Measure the height from the pad to the bottom of the
suspended ball and record the height.
to start the timer on the computer. Take five measurements of
2. Click Start
the time the ball takes to drop from the measured height. Use 4 significant figures and
insure that you convert your measured values to the SI standard.
3. Calculate the average time and the standard deviation of this average.
4. Calculate the local value of acceleration due to gravity. Use the following calculation
formula:
g=
2y
t2
5. Is your value of g the same, to within experimental error, as the accepted value (use the
percent difference calculation to find out):
g = 9.80 m / s2 ?
Procedure C (with Picket Fence)

(Adapted from PASCOs Physics Labs with ComputersTeachers Guide, Vol. I)
1. Prepare to drop the Picket Fence through the Photogate beamhold the Picket Fence
at one end between your thumb and forefinger (long axis of the fence perpendicular to
the ground) so that the bottom edge of the Picket Fence is just above the Photogate
Beam.
2. Hit Start to begin recording data, then drop the fence through the Photogate beam.
Note, the data collection begins when the Photogate beam is first blocked.
3. After the Picket Fence passes completely through the beam, stop recording.
. Determine the
4. Examine the plot of Velocity versus Time in the Graph display
slope of the best fit line for velocity versus time. To do this, select Linear from the
menu.
Fit
5. Repeat this procedure four more times to get a total of five values for acceleration. The
slope of the line is the acceleration of the picket fence through the photogate. Take
the mean of the five values as your experimental value for this acceleration. The
standard deviation of these values will be your error.
6. The experimental value is simply the acceleration of the picket fence due to gravity, or
g. Is the value of g the same, to within experimental error, as the accepted value:
g = 9.80 m / s2 ?
If time allows, or if one wishes to expand this exercise to two laboratory periods, it may
be useful to use all three methods and compare the results from them.
19
Conclusion
Write up your report using the standard format, that is: Object, Apparatus, Theory, Data,
Discussion, and Conclusion. Your discussion should include answers to the following
(you may not be able to answer all of them, depending on which procedure you followed,
answer as many as you can):
a. What are the major sources of error in this experiment? (Explicit items, not
generic terms such as human or systematic error!)
b. Which experiment is a more accurate method of determining the local value of
g, this experiment or the prior free fall experiment?
c. Was your air track level? How do you know?
Two point bonus if you correctly derive the equation for g. Hint: Start from one of the
standard equations of motion as given in your physics text.
One possible variation of this lab is to have each group use a different procedure to take
the measurements to obtain g. When each group has determine its average value for g,
take a class average. Is the error in the class average greater or less than that of each of
the groups within the class? Why?
20
Static and Kinetic Friction

Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to calculate the static and kinetic coefficients of friction.

Friction can be defined as the resistance to motion between contacting surfaces. In some
cases the magnitude of the frictional force is proportional to the magnitude of the normal
force. That is, this relationship can be parameterized as:
f = N
where = the coefficient of friction. When a force is applied to a body, and no motion
occurs, then the applied force is balanced by an opposite force called static friction. The
maximum value of this force occurs just before the object starts to move. Once the body
starts to move, then the resistance on the body is due to the force of kinetic friction. In
general fs > fk and so the object accelerates once it starts to move. The coefficient of
kinetic friction can be measured by observing a body moving at constant speed. With our
apparatus, it is not possible to measure a constant speed, but it is possible to obtain a
close approximation of constant speed.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
(Without Computer Assistance)
Qtty
Board with attached pulley or incline plane

Wooden block with hook
Weight hanger and set of weights
Spring scale
String
Protractor (optional with incline plane exercises)
Lab balance
Table Clamp and support
Meter stick
Sheets of Cartesian graph paper
1
1
1 set
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
Equipment Needed
(With Computer Assistance)
Qtty
Force Sensor (for the Static Friction Component

Wooden block with hook
Weight hanger and set of weights
Spring scale
String
Lab Balance
Table Clamp and Support
Meter stick
Photogate / Pulley system
1
1
1 set
1
1
1
1
1
1
21
Procedure
Without the Assistance of the Computer
1. Use the apparatus to take five trials with increasing weight on the wooden block.
2. Measure the mass required to start the block moving. Make a table of these masses
along with the masses on the cart. Calculate the force of static friction and the normal
force for each trial. Then plot fs vs N using either graph paper, engineering quadrille
lined paper, or the printout of a computer graphics program. Find the value of the
coefficient of static friction from the graph. Does the graph show that the static
frictional force is proportional to the magnitude of the normal force?
3. Measure the mass required to keep the block moving at a constant velocity. Make a
table of these masses along with the masses on the cart. Calculate the force of kinetic
friction and the normal force for each trial. Then plot fk vs N. (This data set can be
plotted on the same graph as the last data set.) Find the value of the coefficient of
kinetic friction from the graph. Does the graph show that the kinetic frictional force is
proportional to the magnitude of the normal force?
4. Are the extrapolations to the y-intercept close enough to zero such that they can be
considered to be zero? Explain what sources of systematic error could cause the yintercept not to go through zero. Do these systematic errors change the value of the
slope?
5. What is the physical reason that fs > fk? (Bonus question!)
Write up your report using the standard format, that is: Object, Apparatus,
Theory, Data, Discussion, and Conclusion.
Your discussion should include some physical sources of error and an explanation
as to how well the data fits the theoretical model.
Bonus: Why is it experimentally convenient to have the block move along the board with
a uniform speed when determining the coefficient of kinetic friction?
With the Assistance of the Computer
(Adapted from Physics Labs with Computers, Vol. 1, PASCO, pp. 199-202)
There is an array of data that can be recorded. By changing the variables, one can study
friction and how changing surface area, mass, texture, static, or kinetic situations affect
what is measured. One can devote one to two lab periods and do all of the following, or
the instructor may select which part(s) to do in a single lab period. Also note the
availability of the electronic workbook for this labif instructed to do so, all of the
instructions will be on the workbook and you will refer to it from this point on in this
experiment.
1. Scenario I, Large Smooth Surface

a. Place the block with its largest smooth side on the horizontal surface
b. Put enough mass on the mass hanger so that the block will slide on the surface
without needing an initial push. Measure and record the TOTAL hanging mass.
c. Pull the block back from the Photogate / Pulley system until the hanging mass is
almost up to the pulley. Hold the block in place while turning the pulley so that
the photogates beam is not blocked (red LED on the photogate is not lit).
22
d. Begin data recording, then release the block.

e. End data recording before the block hits the pulleydo not let the block hit the
pulley. This data will appear as Run #1.
f. Repeat this procedure once more; the data will appear as Run #2.
2. Scenario II, Different Mass of Block
a. Double the mass of the block by placing a mass approximately equal to the mass
of the block on top of the block.
b. Measure and record the total mass (M) of the block and additional mass
c. Double the hanging mass; measure and record the total hanging mass (m) in the
Data Table.
d. Record one run of data to see how the different mass affects the coefficient of
kinetic friction
3. Scenario III, Different Surface Area
a. Remove the additional mass from the block and from the mass hanger to return
the block and mass hanger to their original state from Scenario I.
b. Place the block so that its smallest smooth side is on the horizontal surface.
c. Record the data and compare this run to that from Scenario I.
4. Scenario IV, Different Surface Material
a. Place the block so that its largest rough side is on the horizontal surface (or if all
sides are the same roughness, use a rougher horizontal surface)
b. Put enough mass on the mass hanger so that the block will slide on the surface
without needing an initial push. Measure and record the TOTAL hanging mass,
including the mass of the hanger.
c. Record one run of data as before to see how the different material affects the
coefficient of kinetic friction.
d. Place the block so that its smallest rough side is on the horizontal surface (or if
all sides are the same roughness, use a rougher horizontal surface).
e. Record data using the same hanging mass you used for the largest rough side so
you can compare this run to the data for the largest rough side.
5. Scenario V, Different Hanging Mass
a. Return the block to the original orientation as in Scenario I (largest smooth side
down).
b. Put an amount of mass on the hanger that is LARGER than the amount you used
in Scenario I. Measure and record the total hanging mass.
c. Record data as in Scenario I (only one run is needed).
d. Repeat the process using two larger totals for the hanging mass. Be sure and
record the total hanging mass for all three trials.
Determine the experimental acceleration for each of the data runs. To do so, click in the
Graph display to make it active. Find the slope of the velocity versus time plot, the
average acceleration of the block. To do this, select Run #1 from the Data Menu in the
Graph display. If multiple data runs are showing, first select No Data from the data menu,
23
then select Run #1. Click the Scale to Fit button to rescale the Graph axes to fit the data,
then click the Fit menu button and select Linear.
6. Record the slope of the linear fit in the Data Table in the Lab Report section. Repeat
the above procedure for each of the remaining data runs.
7. Using the mass values and the acceleration value, determine and record the coefficient
of kinetic friction for each data run in the Data Table.
24
Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to calculate the energy lost in an inelastic collision.

The Law of Conservation of Energy can be represented mathematically by the following
expression:
Ek + Ep + Er = 0
The first two terms are the total mechanical energy, that is, the kinetic and gravitational
potential energy of the system. The last term is the resistive (or internal) energy, that is,
the energy lost to nonconservative forces.
Ek =
1 2
h
mv , E p = mgh, h = d sin , sin =
L
2
where: g = acceleration due to gravity

v = velocity of the cart when it hits end of the track
m = mass of cart
d = length along incline from center of mass of the resting cart to the arbitrary
point chosen as the origin of the coordinate system
h = vertical distance from the x-axis to the center of mass of the cart (resting at the
top of the track)
L = length used for elevation measurements
= angle of track
h = height of angled track, adjusted to allow for an uneven table
d = distance cart did not make it back up the track.
h = (h2 h ) (h4 h3)

1
If the cart is released from the top of the track and there are no frictional forces involved,
then it should return to its starting point. If it does not return to its starting point, then the
distance by which it did not return is a measure of the energy lost to resistive forces.
25
When the cart is not moving all of the energy is in the form of potential energy, so the
resistive energy can be given by:
Er = Ep or Er, f Er,I = Ep, f Ep,I
The lost energy when the cart is at rest is zero. Substitute in the expressions for potential
energy.
Er, f 0 = mghf mghi = mg hi hf = mg di sin df sin = mg di df sin

Er = Er, f = mgd sin
Which reduces to the calculation formula:
dh
E r = mg
Equipment
Equipment Needed
(Without computer assistance)
Cart with 100 mm flag attachment and rubber
band stop attachment
Masking Tape (optional)
Meter Stick
Laboratory Lift
Equipment Needed
(With computer assistance)
Motion Sensor
Laboratory Balance
Base and Support Rod
Cart with 100 mm flag attachment and rubber
band stop attachment
Meter Stick
String
Qtty
1
1
1
1
1
Qtty
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.5 m
Procedure
Without the Assistance of the Computer
1. Level the air track apparatus and then set it at no more than a 3-degree angle. Take
measurements to determine the actual angle. Then let the cart glide down the track
and measure the distance where the cart stops on the return trip. This measurement
should be made from the top of the track to the top of the cart. Repeat this procedure
five times.
2. Use the leading or trailing edge of the cart for measurements. For practical purposes,
this is the same as measuring to the center of mass. Why?
3. Calculate the average return position and use this value as d.
26
4. Calculate the amount of energy lost during the collision of the rubber band on the cart
with the end stop of the track.
5. Write up your report using the standard format, that is: Object, Apparatus, Theory,
Data, Discussion, and Conclusion. Your discussion should include answers to the
following:
What are the major sources of error in this experiment?
Where does the lost potential energy go? Think carefully about this. Examine
what happens when the cart bounces at the end of the track. (Give at least
three sources!)
(It is best not to leave the laboratory room until you are sure that you understand
this question.)
With the use of computer
1. Level the air track apparatus and then set it at no more than a 3-degree angle. Take
measurements to determine the actual angle. Set up the Motion Sensor on the support
rod so that it is at least 15-cm from the starting point of the cart at the top of the track.
Measure this initial distance and record it in your Report, using this distance as a
correction value in your data.
2. If instructed to do so, at this point in the exercise, go to the electronic workbook for
this lab and follow the directions included therein. Otherwise, continue with the
procedure as is.
3. In DataStudio, open the graph display and maximize the display to fit the available
screen. Make sure position versus time is on display. Make sure the sail mounted
atop the cart is at right angles to the carts motion to maximize the surface area for the
motion sensor.
4. With the cart at the upper end of the track, click Start to activate the motion sensor,
then let the cart glide down the track and bounce back up after colliding with the end
stop. You may need to do a few practice runs to make sure the data is being collected
appropriately, if necessary, increase the reflecting area by adding a 10x15 cm piece of
paper to the sail. After the cart reaches its return position and begins to return to the
stop, click Stop. Repeat this procedure five times.
5. Find the average return position and use this value as d. Dont forget to subtract the
correction value, the distance from the motion sensor to the cart at its initial position.
To find the average position on the graph, find the smart tool button,
, click on it,
and use the smart tool cursor,

, to measure the lowest point on the dip on the
graph. This dip represents the position of the cart the instant it stopped and reversed
direction to fall back down the track after its initial bounce.
6. Calculate the amount of energy lost during the collision of the rubber band on the cart
with the end stop of the track.
following:
What are the major sources of error in this experiment?
27
Where does the lost potential energy go? Think carefully about this. Examine
what happens when the cart bounces at the end of the track. (Give at least
three sources!)
(It is best not to leave the laboratory room until you are sure that you understand
this question.)
An optional extension to this exercise is to find the coefficient of restitution for several
bounces of the air track cart. The procedure is the same as that immediately above, with
the exception of allowing the cart to bounce at least three times. These bounces show up
on the Motion Sensors position versus time plot. The instructor will provide further
instructions on what to do next.
28
Centripetal Force
(Adapted from Jerry Wilson, Physics Laboratory Experiments, 4th Ed., pp. 115-124,
1994 Houghton Mifflin Company)
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to investigate centripetal force and its role in keeping
an object in uniform circular motion.

An object moving in a circular path requires a centripetal force to keep it in the circular
path. Centripetal simply means center seeking and describes the force directed toward
the center of an orbit or circle traced out by the moving object. Two examples include the
Earth revolving around the Sun and atomic electrons moving around the nucleus. In these
cases, the centripetal force is supplied by gravitational and electrical interactions,
respectively.
This force can be easily reproduced in the laboratory setting. One demonstration includes
a person swinging a mass or a ball on a rope in a horizontal circle around ones head. The
centripetal force supplied by the person and transmitted through the rope can be written
as follows:
Fc = mac
or equivalently:
v2
ac =
r
with ac being the magnitude of the centripetal force vector directed toward the center of
the circular path, r the radius of the circle defined by the path, and v the tangential
velocity.
The object in uniform circular motion moves with a constant speed, but not a constant
velocity. Even though the magnitude of the velocity vector is constant, the direction is
continuously changing, resulting from the centripetal acceleration, ac. This acceleration
results from the applied centripetal force, Fc and both are always directed toward the
center of the objects circular path.
From Newtons second law, F = ma, the magnitude of the centripetal force is:
Fc = mac =
29
mv 2
r
where m is the mass of the object. In terms of distance and time, the orbital speed, v is
given by v = 2r/T, where 2r is the circumference of the circular orbit and T is the
period.
The centripetal force can also be expressed in terms of the angular velocity, or
frequency of rotation, f, by using the expressions v = r and = 2f:
Fc =
mv 2 m(r ) 2
=
= mr 2
r
r
and
Fc = mr (2f ) 2 = 4 2 mrf
where is in units of radians per second and f is in hertz (cycles per second). It is the
usual convention in rotational motion to think of f as being in revolutions per second.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Lab timer or stopwatch
Meter stick
Weight Hanger & Slotted weights
Strings
Laboratory balance
Centripetal Force Apparatus
Vernier caliper
Safety glasses
Qtty.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Procedure
In our Laboratory we have two types of Centripetal Motion Apparatus. Both devices are
operated by motors, but are set up slightly differently. One device has a variable speed
motor, which can be adjusted by moving a rubber friction disk by means of a milled
screw head. Your instructor will have prepared the device for use or will instruct you on
how to do so. The second device has a small motor controlled by a control device that
varies the rate of rotation. Both apparatus will be treated in turn.
A. Large, variable speed Centripetal Force Apparatus
1. Before turning on the rotator, make certain that the force apparatus is locked
securely in the rotor mount by means of the locking screw. Have your
instructor check your setup at this point. When you are ready to take
measurements, record the number on the counter.
2. Put on the safety glasses and turn on the rotor. Adjust the speed of the rotor
until the pointer rises and is opposite the head of the index screw. The
instructor will provide more details on how to successfully achieve the correct
speed in order to maintain the pointer horizontally at the critical speed. The
pointer will be slightly erratic until a particular speed is reached, then it will
30
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
jump and point horizontally toward the index screw. You will probably
want to do a few trial runs to get the feel for how the setup works.
Practice engaging the counter and adjusting the rotor speed (Do not do this too
forcefully or too lightly, as either the rotor will be slowed or the rotor may
lose contact with the rotor gear. Once you are ready, start the counter and
rotor and count the number of rotations over a 1-min. interval, timing the
interval with a stopwatch. Once this is finished, take the final counter reading
and stop the rotor.
Repeat this four more times at 1-min intervals, but do not use the previous
final counter reading for the next initial interval reading. Advance the counter
to a new, arbitrary reading for each trial. Take the absolute value of the
difference between the initial and final values (yes, some of the counter count
down instead of up) to find the number of rotations for each one minute
interval (they should all be similar). Compute the average value of these, and
divide this value by 60 (1 min. = 60 s) to obtain the average rotation frequency
in hertz (Hz).
Without altering the spring tension setting, remove the centripetal force
apparatus from the rotator and suspend it from a support. Hang enough mass
for the hanger to produce the same extension of the spring as when on the
rotor (pointer aimed at the index screw position), and record this mass, M to
include the mass of the hanger. Also, record the mass of the cylinder m in the
force apparatus (this value is stamped on the end of the cylinder).
Add the masses to find the total suspended mass, M = M + m, and compute
the direct measure of Fc = the weight of the total suspended mass = Mg.
Before removing the weights from the support, use a Vernier caliper to
measure the distance r, or the radius of the circular rotational path, and record.
This is the distance between the axis of rotation and the center of mass of the
cylinder.
Compute the centripetal force with the expression Fc = mr (2f ) 2 = 4 2 mrf 2
and compare this value with that obtained from the amount of suspended mass
required to produce the same extension of the springcompare the two using
the percent difference formula.
As an optional extension to this lab exercise, one may vary the tension of the
spring and repeat the activity outlined above.
B. Manual Centripetal Force Apparatus

1. This device is a hand-operated apparatus, with the added feature in the form of
a motor, taking the place of the hand to rotate this apparatus with a constant
speed. A pulley mounted to the base of the apparatus is used to make direct
measurement of the spring tension supplying the centripetal force for uniform
circular motion of a particular radius indicated by the distance between the
vertical pointer rod and the axis of rotation.
2. Determine the mass of the bob by removing it and weighing it on a laboratory
balance. Reattach the bob to the string on the horizontal support arm and
attach the spring as well.
31
3. Activate the motor to rotate the bob until its radius of rotation increases and
stabilizes. Next, carefully adjust the position of the vertical pointer rod to line
up vertically with the point on the end of the rotating bob and measure the
distance (from the pointer tip and the center of the vertical rotor shaft). You
will leave the pointer rod in this position for the rest of the experiment.
4. Measure the amount of time for the bob to make 25 rotations, with one student
operating the lab timer and a second counting off the rotations. Note: make
sure you are comfortable with the procedure for rotating the bob and making
the measurement before you record your measurements.
5. Repeat the counting-timing procedure four more times, and take the average
time. Find the frequency by dividing 25 by the average time the apparatus
took to make the 25 rotations (in seconds). Calculate the average speed of the
bob, using the data and the formula v = c/t = 2r/T, where c is the
circumference of the circular orbit and T is the average time per revolution.
mv 2
.
Then calculate the centripetal force using Fc =
r
6. Attach a string to the bob opposite the spring and suspend a weight hanger
over the pulley. Add weights to the hanger until the bob is directly over the
pointer. Record the weight, Mg, including the mass of the weight hanger. This
measured weight is a direct measure of the centripetal force supplied by the
spring during rotation. Compare this value with the calculated value and
compute the percent difference between the two.
7. One may vary the mass, radius or spring tension and compare the final results
with that obtained in the procedure. One may also compare results obtained
with the two different centripetal motion apparatus, while trying to make
everything between the two as consistent as possible.
32
Computer Experiment Simulation (Classical Mechanics)

Introduction
One of the many conveniences of computers is their powerful ability to simulate natural
phenomena. Computer simulations save scientists billions of dollars per year by avoiding
expensive experiments in wind tunnels and blast chambers as two examples. Computer
simulations can be performed to simulate a phenomenon that we cannot readily access,
such as the gas flows inside a star in the process of going supernova, the fluctuations of
an atom, and the evolution of a solar system over billions of years time. Back on Earth,
much simpler simulations can be used in the classroom to repeat live experiments using
an array of initial conditions, enabling students to see clearly how changing parameters
can change the outcome of an experiment.
In this Lab, we are going to run such a simulation. In the Physics Learning Center (NSB
324) are Dell computers equipped with Internet access and simulation programs. The
assignment is to select an experiment of your choosing in the realm of Classical
Mechanics and run through that experiment several times, virtually, changing the initial
conditions and recording the outcomes of each run.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Computer with Internet access (the instructor will
decide whether to use the website given below,
another website, or a CD-ROM simulation program),
-ORPhysics Computer Simulation Programs such as
Constructing Physics Understanding or equivalent
Procedure
There is a large number of simulation packages available, from CDs and DVDs in the
Physics Learning Center, to websites that offer applets and downloads that demonstrate
various principles of physics. The instructor may use one or more of these or another
website for this experiment. This lab will focus on one such simulation within the area of
classical mechanics from either the simulation program outlined in Appendix A, or the
website and list in Appendix B, or another source.
Write up a brief report, similar to those you have been doing all semester. Be sure to
indicate the experiment name, the variables involved (both the ones you changed and the
ones not allowed to change), and the differences in the outcomes of the experiment
resulting from changing the variables. If you did this experiment as an extension of
another performed earlier this semester, state which one, how the outcome(s) of this one
were different or similar to that performed earlier, and the advantages/disadvantages
(including the presence and extent of error) of doing the experiment either live in the
lab or on computer as a simulation.
33
Conservation of Linear Momentum

Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to calculate the initial velocity of a projectile using the
principles of the conservation of linear momentum and the conservation of energy.

The concepts of conservation of energy can be represented mathematically by the
following expressions:
ext
dp
=0
dt
pb = p a
E k + E p = 0
The second equation states that the momentum before a collision is equal to the
momentum after a collision. The third equation describes the conservation of the total
mechanical energy (kinetic and gravitational potential energy) of the system during an
elastic collision. When a projectile collides with and sticks to another target, then the
mass of the system after the collision is the sum of the mass of the projectile and the
target before the collision. Since momentum is conserved in a collision, we have:
mv0 = MV
where: m = mass of the particle

M = mass of the projectile plus pendulum
If the target is constrained to pivot on a rigid pendulum, then the potential energy at the
top of the swing must be equal to the kinetic energy at the collision point. That is:
1
E p = Mgh
MV 2
2
From the above equations the velocity of the projectile just before the collision can be
found to be:
E k (bottom) = E p (top ),
v0 =
Ek =
M
m
2 gl (1 cos
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Ballistic Pendulum
Laboratory Balance
Meter Stick
Protractor
1
1
1
1
34
Safety Reminder
Never aim or fire the projectile launcher at a person.
Procedure
1. Do a few tests of the apparatus to understand how it works, then find the angle of
displacement for five trials. Record these values.
2. Carefully remove the pendulum support and measure the physical length (pivot point
to the center of mass) of the pendulum, the mass of the projectile, and the mass of the
projectile with the pendulum. Record these values in a table to be included with your
lab report.
3. Calculate the average angle and the associated standard deviation.
4. Calculate the pre-collision velocity of the projectile.
following:
Is the friction of the pendulum a random or systematic error?
Will this source of error cause your calculated velocity to be less than or
greater than the actual velocity?
Remember to express your final answer with the errorusing the correct
number of significant digits and the correct SI units.
For three bonus points: Calculate the kinetic energy before and after the collision.
Compare these two results. Is the collision between the ball and the pendulum elastic or
inelastic?
Optional: A variation making use of the photogate timers and the computer can be
implemented. Place one photogate such that the ball passes through the beam the instant
it fires; place the other 10 cm down from the first and find the average velocity, in meters
per second, of the ball as it leaves the projectile gun. Compare this average velocity with
your calculated value. If they are different, why are they different? Find the percent error
between your theoretical (Predicted) value and your measured (Measured) value with
the following formula:
35
Projectile Motion
Note
One can combine this lab and the previous one into a single lab. Doing so will give two
ways to investigate conservation of linear momentum and enable students to see how the
two compare.
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to study the motion of an object in two dimensions.
Safety reminder
Follow all directions for using the equipment. It is recommended that safety glasses be
worn when doing all the procedures. When using the pendulum, be careful not to injure
your hand when cocking the gun, and keep your fingers away from the projectile end of
the gun.

Projectile motion is simply the motion of an object in a plane (two dimensions) under the
influence of gravity. The equations of motion describe the components of such motion
and are useful to analyze projectile motion. In textbook problems, the initial velocity of
an object is typically given, and the subsequent motion is described with equations of
motion. In the laboratory setting, however, the initial velocity is unknown and will need
to be determined through measurements.
The method used in this lab will be to determine the initial velocity of a projectile from
range-fall measurements. If a projectile is launched horizontally with an initial velocity of
magnitude v xo from a height of y, it will describe an arc. The projectile will travel a
horizontal distance x (the range of the projectile) while falling the vertical distance y.
The initial vertical velocity is vo = 0, and the acceleration in the y direction has a
magnitude of ay = g (acceleration due to gravityusually taken as negative but taken
positive for convenience for this experiment). There is no horizontal component of
acceleration (ax = 0); the components of motion are described by
x = v xo t and y =
1 2
gt
2
Eliminating t from these equations, then solving for v xo , we have (neglecting air
resistance):
36
v xo =
g
gx 2
= x
2y
2y
1/ 2
By measuring the range x and the distance of the fall y, one can calculate the initial
velocity of the projectile.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Ballistic Pendulum (with pendulum removed) or

projectile launcher
Sheets of plain (and carbon) paper
Meterstick
Masking Tape
Photogates (Optional computer-based component)
1
several
1
-2
Procedure
1. Do a few tests of the apparatus to understand how it works. Making sure the
pendulum is removed or restrained in the upper catch mechanism, position the
apparatus near one edge of the laboratory table.
2. Fire the ball from the gun and note where the ball hits the floor (note well that the
range of the ball is appreciable, so you will probably need to shoot the ball down an
aisletake a practice shot or two to find the approximate range). Be careful not to
point the launcher at anyone or hit anyone with the ball, especially your instructor!
3. Place a sheet of paper where the ball hit the floor, and tape it there (or weigh it down)
so it will not move. When the ball strikes the paper, the small indentation in the paper
will allow you to measure the range of the projectile. This measurement is taken from
the position on the floor directly below where the ball leaves the gun (this location
can be determined by putting the ball on the gun without loading the spring) to the
centers of the marks on the paper on the floor. Make sure the gun is fired from the
same position each time. If the marks are hard to read, carbon paper can be placed on
top of the other paper.
4. Take five trials and measure the range x of each trial and record your measurements.
Find the average of the five as well as the standard deviation. Also measure the height
y of the ball from the floor and record that in the data table. The height y is measured
from the bottom of the ball (as it rests on the gun) to the floor.
5. Using the equation below, calculate the magnitude of the initial velocity of the ball (g
= 9.80 m/s2 = 980 cm/s2).
g
v xo = x
2y
37
6. To Consider: (a) what effect does the force of gravity have on the horizontal velocity
of the projectile? Explain. (b) What effect does air resistance have on the range of the
projectile?
38
Torque, Equilibrium and the Center of Gravity

(Adapted from Jerry Wilson, Physics Laboratory Experiments, 4th Ed., pp.151-155,
Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to examine mechanical equilibrium and torque and how it
applies to rigid bodies.

In many engineering applications, an important consideration is the conditions necessary
for static and dynamic equilibrium. Several examples where this application is essential
include beams in bridges and beam balances. An object is said to be at rest, or in
equilibrium, when the sum of the forces F and torques acting on a body are zero:
F=0
=0
The first condition deals with translational equilibrium, that is, the body is not moving
linearly or is moving with a constant linear velocity (such that a co-moving frame of
reference sees the object at rest). The second deals with rotational equilibrium and
either do not rotate (static case) or rotates with a uniform angular velocity (dynamic
equilibrium case).
A torque or moment of force results from a force applied some distance from an axis of
rotation. The magnitude of the torque is equal to the product of the forces magnitude F
and the perpendicular distance r from the axis of rotation to the forces line of action. In
short:
= rF
= rF
and = rFsin
with the angle between the r and F vectors.
This perpendicular distance r is called the lever arm or moment arm and has the units
meter-Newton (m-N). Torques may be applied that result in counterclockwise- and
clockwise motion. However, if these torques are balanced, such as no net motion occurs,
the system is said to be in rotational static equilibrium. This condition is satisfied when:
CC
+ CW = 0
where CC and CW are counterclockwise and clockwise torques, respectively.

The gravitational torques due to individual mass particles of rigid body define the
center of gravity for a body. The center of gravity is the point of the body about which
39
the sum of the gravitational torques about an axis through this point is zero. If one
visualizes a rod of being made up of individual mass particles and the point of support is
selected such that = 0, then
cc = cw
or
(m g )r = (m g )r
i
CC
CW
When the rod is in equilibrium, it is supported by a force equal its weight, and this
support force is directed through the objects center of gravity. If the objects weight
were concentrated at its center of gravity, so would be its mass, and we often refer to an
objects center of mass instead of its center of gravity. These points are the same as long
as the acceleration due to gravity g is constant (as in a uniform gravitational field). Note
that g can be factored and divided out of the above weight equations, leaving mass
equations.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Meter stick
Support stand
Lab balance
String and Knife edge clamp or
4 Knife edge clamp (3 with wire hangers)
Hooked weights (1 of the 50g, 2 of the
100g, and 1 of the 200g,) or weight
hangers and slotted weights to get desired
masses
Unknown mass with hook
1
1
1
4
4
1
Suggested Procedure
Torque, Equilibrium, and the Center of Gravity
1. Determine the mass of the meter stick. Place a knife-edge clamp on the meterstick at
the 50 cm line and place the meter stick on the support stand. Adjust the meter stick
through the clamp until the meter stick is balanced on the stand. Tighten the clamp
and record the distance of the balancing point xo from the zero end of the meterstick.
2. Case 1: two known masses. With the meterstick on the support stand at xo, suspend a
mass m1= 100 g at the 15-cm position on the stick. Suspend a second mass, m2 = 200
g on the opposite side of the stick as m1 and place it at the distance xi needed to
balance the meterstick. Record that measurement, ri = xi xo, which is simply the
moment arm of the object. If you use the hanger clamps to suspend the masses,
remember to include their masses in the determination of each torque. Compute the
torques.
3. Case 2: Three known masses. Repeat the activities of #2, except use the following
masses: m1 = 100 g at the 30-cm position and m2 = 200 g at the 70-cm position.
Suspend m3 = 50 g and adjust the moment arm of this mass to balance out the
meterstick.
40
4. Case 3: Unknown mass. With the meterstick on the support stand at xo, suspend the
unknown mass (m1) near one end of the meterstick (e.g. near the 10-cm mark).
Suspend from the other end an appropriate known countermass m2 (e.g. 200 g) and
adjust its position until the meterstick is in balance. Record the value of the known
mass and the moment arms. Compute the value of the unknown mass by the method
of moments and compare with the measured value by calculating the percent error.
5. Case 4: Instructors choice (optional). Your instructor may have a particular case for
you to investigate, and if so, the conditions will be given.
41
Rotational Inertia of a Disk and Ring

(Adapted from the Instruction Manual and Experiment Guide for the PASCO Scientific
Model CI-6538 Rotary Motion Sensor, pp. 15-20)
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to find the rotational inertia of a ring and a disk
experimentally and verify that these values correspond to the calculated theoretical
values.

The rotation inertia, I, of a ring about its center of mass is given by:
1
M R12 + R22
2
where M is the mass of the ring, R1 is the inner radius of the ring, and R2 is the outer
radius of the ring. The rotational inertia of a disk about its center of mass is given by:
I=
I=
1
MR 2
2
where M is the mass of the disk and R is the radius of the disk. To find the rotational
inertia experimentally, a known torque is applied to the object and the resulting angular
acceleration is measured. Since = I,
I=
where is the angular acceleration, which is equal to a/r (a = acceleration), and is the
torque caused by the weight hanging from the thread that is wrapped around the base of
the apparatus.
= rT
where r is the radius of the pulley about which the thread is wound, and T is the tension
in the thread when the apparatus is rotating.
Applying Newtons Second Law for the hanging mass m gives
F = mg T = ma
Solving for the tension in the thread gives:
T = m( g a )
42
Once the angular acceleration is measured, the torque and the linear acceleration can be
obtained from the calculation of the torque.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Mini-Rotational Accessory
Base and Support Rod
Paper clips (for masses < 1 g)
Rotary Motion Sensor
Mass and Hanger Set
Triple Beam Balance
Vernier Calipers
1
1
Several
1
1
1
1
Procedure
1. Mount the Rotary Motion Sensor (RMS) to the support rod and connect it to the
Science Workshop 750 Interface. Mount the clamp-on Super Pulley to the sensor. Tie
one end of the string to the mass hanger and the other to one of the levels of the 3step Pulley on the RMS.
2. Drape the string over the Super Pulley such that the string is in the groove of the
pulley and the mass hanger hangs freely. NOTE: the clamp-on super pulley must be
adjusted at an angle so the thread runs in a line tangent to the point where it leaves the
3-step Pulley and straight down the middle groove on the clamp-on Super Pulley.
3. Weigh the ring and disk to find their masses and record these in your Lab Report.
Next, measure the inside and outside diameters of the ring and calculate the radii, R1
and R2; then measure the diameter of the disk and calculate the radius R. Measure the
diameter of the pulley about which the thread is to be wrapped and find the radius.
4. Place the disk directly on the pulley and place the mass ring on the disk, inserting the
ring pins into the holes in the disk.
5. Run Science Workshop and install the RMS. Double click its icon to open the sensor
dialog box for the RMS. Ensure that the Divisions / Rotation radio button is in the
360 position, and select the appropriate pulley in the linear calibration pop-up menu,
then click OK.
6. Click and drag a Graph to the RMS icon and select Angular Velocity from the
built-in calculations window; click OK. Then put 50 g of mass on the Mass Hanger
and wind up the thread. Click on the Start button,
and then release the 3-
step pulley, allowing the mass to fall. Click on the Stop button,
, to end
the data collection. NOTE: to avoid erroneous data, clock the stop button before the
mass reaches the floor or the end of the thread.
, then select the linear
7. In the Graph Display window, click on the Statistics button,
curve fit from the pop-up menu. The slope of the linear fit represents the angular
acceleration () and should be recorded in the Lab Report.
8. To find the Acceleration of the disk alone, remove the ring from the apparatus and
repeat steps 1 through 7 in the procedure. Since the inertia found above is for both
disk and ring, it is necessary to repeat the experiment once more to find the inertia of
just the ring. This value can be subtracted from the total to find the value of the disk.
43
Buoyancy and Specific Gravity

Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to study Archimedes principle in one application:
determining the densities and specific gravities of solid samples.

When an object is immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force that may
cause it to float. In a fluid, the pressure on the lower surface of the object is greater than
that on the upper surface, so a pressure difference results and provides an upward force.
This buoyant force is described by Archimedes principle:
When a body is placed in a fluid, it is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of
the volume of fluid it displaces.
This principle applies to a body wholly or partially immersed in a fluid. The magnitude of
the buoyant force depends only on the weight of the fluid displaced by the object, and
does not depend on the weight of the object itself.
Archimedes principle shows that an object:
1. will float in a fluid if the density of the object o is less than that of the fluid
density f,
2. will sink if the objects density is greater than that of the fluid, and
3. will float in equilibrium at any submerged depth where it is placed if its
density is equal to that of the fluid.
Specific Gravity is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of the substance
to an equal volume of water. This is a density-type designation that uses water as the
comparison standard. The numerical value of a substances specific gravity is the same as
the magnitude of its density in cgs units (centimeter-grams-seconds). Water has a density
of 1 g / cm3 over the temperature range at which water is liquid.
Archimedes principle can be used to determine the specific gravity (and density) of a
submerged object
sp. gr. =
wo wo
=
ww Fb
where wo is the weight of the object and ww is the weight of the water it displaces, and by
Archimedes principle, ww = Fb.
44
For a heavy object that sinks, the net force as it sinks is equal to wo - Fb (why is this?). IF
the object were attached to a spring scale while submerged, it would have a measured
apparent weight wo and wo = wo Fb; so that Fb = wo wo and the previous equation
may be written:
sp. gr. =
wo
wo
=
ww wo w' o
or in terms of mass measured on a balance, with w = mg:

sp. gr. =
mo
= o
m o m' o
with o being the magnitude of the density of the object in g / cm3. Now we have an
experimental method to find the specific gravity (and density) of an object that sinks.
We can use a similar approach to find experimentally the specific gravity of an object
that floats. We need, however, the assistance of a heavy object attached to the light object
to completely submerge the light object. For such an arrangement, w1 = wo + ws is the
measured weight (mass) of the object and sinker, with only the sinker submerged, and w2
= wo + ws is the measured weight with both submerged. Then
w1 w2 = (wo + w' s ) (w' o + w' s ) = wo w' o
or, in terms of mass,
m1 m2 = mo m' o
and then the specific gravity can be found as follows:

sp. gr. =
mo
= o
m1 m2
Again, o is the magnitude of the density of the object in g / cm3.
Equipment
Equipment Needed
Qtty.
Triple beam balance with swing platform

Overflow can
Catch Bucket
Beakers
Metal Cylinder, irregularly shaped metal
object or metal sinker
String
45
1
1
1
2
1
1
Procedure
The following is the recommended procedure for proving Archimedes Principle and
using this principle to find the density of a heavy and a light solid.
1. Weight the metal sample and record the mass mo and type of metal; also weigh an
empty catch bucket and record its mass mb. Fill the overflow can with water and place
it on the balance platform. Attach a string to the sample and suspend it from the
balance arm.
2. The overflow from the can is collected in the catch bucket when the sample is
immersed. Take a mass reading mo of the submerged object, making sure that no
bubbles adhere to the object. Next weigh the beaker and water so as to determine the
mass of the displaced water mw. (If the can does not fit on the balance platform, first
suspend and immerse the object in the full overflow can and catch the overflow in the
beaker and find mw. Then attach the sample to the balance arm and suspend it in a
beaker of water that will fit on the balance platform to find mo.)
3. According to Archimedes Principle, the buoyant force Fb = mog mog should equal
the weight of the displaced water ww = mwg or:
(mo m'o )g = mw g
Compute the buoyant force and compare it with the weight of the displaced water by
finding the percent difference.
4. Determine the specific gravity and density of the metal sample. This can be done with
the data from Steps 1-3
5. Determine the specific gravity and the density of the light solid by the procedure
described in the Background and Theory sections, after first measuring the mass of
the light solid in air.
Data, Discussion, and Conclusion.
46
APPENDIXCPU (Constructing Physics Understanding)

Simulation Experiment: Projectile Motion in Different
Gravity Fields and Different Launch Angles
Purpose
The purpose of this lab exercise is to run a simulation of a projectile motion launcher and
ball while varying a number of parameters to include launch angle and planet.
Background
Earlier this semester you performed an experiment entitled Projectile Motion where
you used a launcher (spring loaded gun, part of a ballistic pendulum setup without the
pendulum) and metal ball to shoot the ball across the room, measure its height and range,
and find the initial velocity of the ball. In some classes you varied the angle of the launch.
We will see how running a computer experiment can nicely complement a live
experiment. With a computer, we can easily and quickly vary parameters that would be
time consuming, difficult, or impossible to perform in a lab setting. By varying these
parameters, we can see in a very useful way in which they are interrelated. We can run a
number of trials in a relatively short amount of time without dealing with setting up and
resetting equipment.
In this experiment, we will use the computers to simulate the experiment we did earlier
this semester. We will start with a setup similar to what we did earlier, but compare the
range and time of flight of the projectile at several different launch angles. We will then
keep the launch angle constant and vary first the mass of the projectile, second the power
of the gun, and third, the planet we perform the experiment on (Earth, Moon, and
Jupiter).
Equipment
Equipment
Qtty.
Computer with the CPU software on the machine

This sheet
1
1
Procedure
1. Setting up the simulation environment is done in the following way:
a. Find, then doubleclick on the Run CPU Simulators icon on the desktop
b. When the Internet Explorer window appears, within it will be a list entitled
Simulations & Software. Click on Forces & Motion Simulator
c. A rectangle resembling a graph should then appear. Below the graph are two
groups of buttons, the program group on the left, and the control group on the
right.
d. Single-click on the pointer (arrow) button. Then move the pointer over the
origin point of the graph (marked with a small black square), click and hold
on the square and drag it to the lower left corner of the graph.
47
e. Click on the launcher icon button (mousing over the buttons will cause the
names of each to appear after a fraction of a second; look for the one named
launcher) with a single click. Move the pointer near the origin and single
click again to make a launcher icon appear in the graph.
f. Click on the pointer icon again. Then double click on the launcher icon. A
small box should appear with two variables: strength (km*m/s) and direction
(degrees). Change the direction by clicking on the slider bar or the arrow tips
(these change the angle by 1-2 degrees per click). We will start with 0
degrees. Click OK when finished.
g. Single click the object button. Then single click on the launcher icon in the
graph. Doing so mounts the ball on the launcher and readies it to fire.
h. Single click on the pointer button again, then doubleclick on the background
(on the graph away from the projectile and ball setup). Change gravitational
field to Earth by checking this and then click OK
2. Run the Simulation (Answer the questions in bold print in the results section of
your Laboratory Report)
a. Hit arrow to run the experiment (right side control group of buttons), pause
when the ball crosses the x-axis. Record where the ball crosses the axis and
the time (upper left corner, in seconds) it took to get there in the table in the
results section. Hit the rewind button when finished, and single click the
pointer button to allow access to the simulation
b. Double click on the launcher again, and change the angle to 30 degrees. Click
the run button again to launch the object, pausing when the object reaches the
x axis. Click rewind then the pointer button each time you finish a run.
c. Repeat these steps for each of the launch angles in the table (runs 1-5). Which
angle had the maximum range, when all else was held constant?
d. When we get to Run #6, we will now vary the mass of the projectile (ball) and
keep the launch strength and angle constant. Double click on the ball icon and
set its mass to 10 kg and repeat the experiment. Repeat again for a mass of 15
kg for the projectile while keeping every thing else constant (Runs 6 and 7).
What effect does changing the mass have on the path of the ball?
e. Now we will vary the launch strength while keeping everything else constant.
Double click on the projectile icon and return its mass to 5 kg. Click OK
then double click on the launcher and change the strength to 100 km*m/s2.
Run the experiment for run #8. Repeat, with every thing else constant, but the
launcher strength changed to 400 km*m/s2. What effect does changing the
launcher strength have on the flight of the ball?
f. Finally, we will change the gravity field within which we are performing the
experiment. We will hold everything else constant (mass of ball = 5kg, launch
angle = 450, launch strength = 200 km*m/s2). For Run #9, we will repeat the
experiment on the moon. Click anywhere away from the launcher-ball
system on the graph and change the gravity source to the Moon by clicking
next to Moon. Repeat for Jupiter (#10). What effect does changing the
gravity field (or planet) have on the motion of the projectile?
48
Data & Results

Launcher
Strength
(km*m/s)
Launch
Angle
(deg.)
200
Earth
200
30
Earth
200
45
Earth
200
60
Earth
200
75
Earth
10
200
45
Earth
15
200
45
Earth
400
45
Moon
200
45
10
Jupiter
200
45
Trial
Planet
Earth
mass
H (m)
above x- projectile
kg
axis
Range
(m)
Time of
Flight
(s)
Your Instructor may have additional questions with regards to this lab; this particular
table is to be included in the Data section of your lab report, and your responses to the
bold questions written above are to be included in the Results section of your lab report.
The answers to the following questions should be included in the Conclusions section of
the report.
What would the path of the projectile be if this experiment were repeated in outer
space (or on board the International Space station), where the influence of gravity
is non-existent?
What are some advantages and disadvantages (name at least two of each) of doing
an experiment on the computer as opposed to doing it in class with actual
equipment?
49
APPENDIX 2A List of Candidate Simulated

Demonstrations in Physics that May be Used in
Laboratory Experiment #8
This lab will focus on one such simulation within the area of classical mechanics from
the following website:
http://webphysics.ph.msstate.edu/jc/library/
Go to this website, and click on one of the choices in the list. The list includes
simulations in the following areas:
2.6 Motion With Constant Acceleration
3.2 Addition of Vectors
3.5 Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions
3.7 Projectile Motion
4.7 Some Applications of Newtons Laws
5.1 Uniform Circular Motion
5.2 Force Needed for Circular Motion
5.3 Keplers Laws of Planetary Motion
6.6 Conservation of Mechanical Energy
- Elastic Collisions in One Dimension
- Elastic Collisions in Two Dimensions
9.3 Torque
9.4 Static Equilibrium
9.7 Angular Momentum
9.10 Conservation of Energy: Translations and Rotations
9.PP Physics in Practice: The Earth, the Moon, and the Tides
Select one or more simulations from this list and do them, varying the parameters and
seeing how this varying affects the outcome of the experiment. You could either choose
an experiment that will not be done this semester, or an experiment that has been done
already. In the latter case, the initial conditions of the experiment can be modified to see
how the results differ from that experienced in the classroom.
50

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Physics 2111

Original Authors: Lon Turnbull

Introduction (to this Document and the Labs)

(exp erimental theoretical )

In general, errors in measurement can readily be obtained in the following ways:

2. If multiple measurements were taken:

personal: from personal bias or carelessness in reading an instrument (e.g.,

systematic: associated with particular measurement techniques

random error: unknown and unpredictable variations

Accuracy: how close to the true value is the result

NOTE: hand-held calculators give answers that generally have a

Laboratory Report Format

Apparatus: Apparatus used to perform the experiment.

Introduction to Measurement / Calculation of Density

Introduction and Theory

Computer with Excel spreadsheet software

Vectors on a Force Table

Introduction and Theory

To transform from the Cartesian representation to the polar representation:

The sum of the two vectors is:

R = {R, } = A + B= (Ax + Bx) + Ay + By

Which, when Newtons second law is applied, yields:

Force Table with 4 pulleys

A has an angle of 30 and a mass of 200 grams

3. For the experimental results of part 1 show that: Fi = 0

Introduction to Computer Interface Experiments, the

Introduction and Theory

Air Track with Air Supply

Science Workshop 750 Interface

i. Highlight a smooth part of the position graph.

Uniformly Accelerated Motion (Due to Gravity)

Background and Theory

g = acceleration due to gravity

h = (h2 h1) (h4 h3)

(Version A) Acceleration due to Gravity with the Air Track

(Version B) Acceleration due to Gravity with Free Fall

(Version C) Acceleration of a Freely Falling Picket Fence

Procedure A (with Linear Air Track)

Procedure B (with Free Fall)

Procedure C (with Picket Fence)

Static and Kinetic Friction

Introduction and Theory

Board with attached pulley or incline plane

Force Sensor (for the Static Friction Component

1. Scenario I, Large Smooth Surface

d. Begin data recording, then release the block.

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Background and Theory

where: g = acceleration due to gravity

h = (h2 h ) (h4 h3)

Er = Ep or Er, f Er,I = Ep, f Ep,I

Er, f 0 = mghf mghi = mg hi hf = mg di sin df sin = mg di df sin

and use the smart tool cursor,

Background and Theory

B. Manual Centripetal Force Apparatus

Computer Experiment Simulation (Classical Mechanics)

Conservation of Linear Momentum

Background and Theory

where: m = mass of the particle

Introduction and Theory