M Corresponds To The Larger Mass, M Is Smaller Mass, G Is The Acceleration Due To Gravity and A

Physics 209A, Monday 2-4
09/30/19
Lab Report: Atwood’s Machine
Abstract
The purpose of this lab is to test Newton's 2nd Law of Motion by constructing an Atwood
Machine (a pulley system with masses on either side of the pulley). Newton’s 2nd law states that
for a given net force the magnitude of acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass. The
Atwood machine will be used to study the relationship between mass, acceleration and net
forces. We measured velocity over time by releasing a 0.100kg weight with paperclip to equal
0.101kg, through the pulley system, with a 0.100kg on the other side. We found the acceleration
to be 0.038 m/𝑠 2 , while the theoretical value was 0.049m/𝑠 2 . Our theoretical value was not
within −+3SE, therefore, a systematic offset was present with a 28% percent error.
Theory & Procedure

The Atwood Machine is a device that demonstrates the basic principles of acceleration and
dynamics. It consists of two objects with different masses that hang vertically from a frictionless
pulley that has a very small, negligible mass. This machine helps to demonstrate the mechanical
laws of motion with constant acceleration and illustrates key principles of classical mechanics.
When the two objects on the machine are of equal masses, then the system will be in equilibrium
and no motion of any kind will take place. However, if there is a very small difference in their
masses, then their acceleration will be small and, as such, can be easily measured. This is what
makes the Atwood machine quite useful to determine acceleration due to gravity (g). The
acceleration of two bodies can be calculated using the following formula: a = g(M - m)/(M + m).
M corresponds to the larger mass, m is smaller mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity and a
represents acceleration.
Setup: We created our system using a string attached to two weights that hung over the pulley
mechanism; 1 set of (2) 0.100kg weights with a paperclip added to one side, (see drawing below)
We collected data using the Capstone Photogate Pulley software, measuring velocity over time.
Procedure: For each measurement, we held the two different masses at rest and released the
heavier mass at the top of the pulley wheel, let it accelerate down without colliding with
anything. This process was repeated 10 times. We used Capstone Photogate Pulley software to
record the measurements and created a graph of velocity vs time for each measurement. The
slope of each measurement was found using the program. From our theoretical value calculation
and our actual experiment data we were able to calculate %error, standard deviation and standard
error.
Data (Statistical Data and other Calculations)

Trials for
0.100kg masses Acc m/𝑠 2 Formula m/𝑠 2
1 0.0385 average 0.038
2 0.0403 SD 0.003118404
3 0.0394 SE 9.86 x 10-4 or 0.001 m/s2
4 0.0376
5 0.0388 3SE 0.003
6 0.0308 (mean – 3SE) 0.035
7 0.0351 (mean + 3SE) 0.041
8 0.0374
9 0.0411
10 0.041
M m M-m a Theory a Expt. % error SD SE

0.1013kg 0.1003kg 0.001kg 0.049 0.038 28% 0.003m/𝑠 2 0.001m/𝑠 2
Predicted = 0.049 SD = 0.003118404

Average = 0.038 SE = 9.86 x 10-4 or 0.001 m/s2
% diff = 3SE range = 0.0409-0.03505
Graph
See attached graph labeled Acceleration of a Pulley System with Masses which shows that
acceleration increases over time (for 0.100kg masses only).
Trials for
0.050kg masses Acc m/s2 Formula m/𝑠 2
1 0.124 average 0.09244
2 0.0954 SD 0.013094884
3 0.0733 SE 0.00414
4 0.0908 3SE 0.01242
5 0.0897
6 0.0823
7 0.0923
8 0.0879
9 0.0983
10 0.0904
M m M-m a Theory a Mean % error

0.0513kg 0.053kg 0.0011kg 0.096 0.0924 4.3%
Summary, Conclusions and Error Analysis
We were able to determine values of acceleration both experimentally and mathematically for
each measurement. The 0.100kg masses had a mean acceleration of 0.038m/𝑠 2 , while the
theoretical value was 0.049m/𝑠 2 . With a standard deviation of 0.003m/𝑠 2 , and a standard error of
0.001m/𝑠 2 we were not within the within −+3SE range of 0.035-0.041 therefore, a systematic
offset occurred. Newton’s 2nd law doesn't take into account friction but based on the standard
error result of −+3SE was 0.035-0.041 we were only a few hundredths off. Because of this, I
don’t think our assumptions were totally correct. I think friction did play a small role in slowing
down the acceleration result and presented us with a systematic error, the calculated values
assume that the pulley is massless and frictionless and masses have no air resistance. The random
error could include fluctuations in my partner and my skill. By pressed the record button on the
pulley software too soon or too late before the weight was dropped. The weight kept hitting the
desk top and bouncing our test results.
We came to the conclusion that the difference between the two masses influence their
acceleration. We got better results with the 0.050kg mass and concluded that the smaller the
mass, the faster the acceleration, double what the 0.100kg mass showed and therefore we were
successful in proving Newton’s 2nd Law. We showed only a 4.3% error with 0.050kg mass,
having far less error. Our calculated acceleration theory was 0.096 m/𝑠 2 while the actual was
0.094 m/𝑠 2 , the −+3SE was 0.029 so the SE range was 0.0634-0.126 which our value falls into.

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Physics 209A, Monday 2-4

Lab Report: Atwood’s Machine

Theory & Procedure

Data (Statistical Data and other Calculations)

M m M-m a Theory a Expt. % error SD SE

Predicted = 0.049 SD = 0.003118404

M m M-m a Theory a Mean % error

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