GUIDE OF BASIC PHYSICS LABORATORY

I. PRELIMINARY
A. The purpose experiment of Basic Physics in Laboratory

Developing the theory and the fact that the material given in lectures more
internalized and to understand.

Checking the truth of the laws of physics and visually see some of the
events in the actual events.

Acquire the necessary skills and skills in using and understood the
usefulness of laboratory equipment.

Ability to analyze, create hypotheses or conclusions from the data obtained

from the experiments.

B. Experiment Steps
1. Preparation, with special attention to the purpose of the experiment,
comprehensively understand the theory and physical quantities
related to the experiment, the function of the tools and
experimental nets.
2. Experiment, with due regard to environmental conditions, perform repeated
measurements, record all of the data is done, including the
smallest scale.
3. Analysis, check the data consistent, make the relationship in the graph and
perform calculations correctly.
4 The authors report.

II. CONDUCT (MUST READ)

A. Home / Before Practicum:
1. Practitioners must be present 15 minutes before the lab starts and when the
practitioners come late 15 minutes after the lab begins not allowed to
participate in practicum.
2. Learn well the modules that you will do in the lab.
3. Work on the preliminary task in the module in question and submit it to

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your assistant before working in the lab module.

4. At the time of leaving the lab will be sure to bring the control valve,
student identification, and lab coats.
5. In Laboratory, practitioner should be calm, orderly, polite, well-dressed in
a shirt or collared shirt, do not wear sandals and must wear identification.
Prohibited food, drink, or smoke in the laboratory.
6. Practitioners not allowed to participate if they do not meet the practical
requirements:
a. Wearing identification
b. Carry identification cards practicum
7. Submit the preliminary tasks to assistants and answer the initial test before
the lab begins.

B. DURING LABORATORY
1. Practitioners can begin the experiment after preliminary tests and get
permission from the assistant Instruction to use tool.
2. Practitioners should get the data by experimenting. If you fail to obtain the
data (due to equipment failure or other things), you must report to the
assistant or lecturer responsible for the daily.
3. Practitioners must keep her safety, cleanliness and order laboratory
4. Special for experiments using electricity, before turning on the power
supply ask the assistant if the circuit is correct.
5. If the practitioners make a faults, assistants can make a rule and sanction.

C. FINISHED EXPERIMENT
After the lab is complete, before leaving the laboratory, the practitioner must:
1. Ask a preliminary report which has been re-checked.
2. Ask the signature on the control card.
3. Cleaning the table and throw garbage.

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D. OTHER PROVISIONS
1. Practicum must replace equipment damaged or lost during practicum takes
place with the same tool prior to attending the next practicum.
2. The amount of practical value is 25% of the total value of college Physics
3. Practicum is not a requirement to pass the course Physics I.

E. TIME LAB
Shift I 7:30 a.m to 10:00 a.m
Shift II: 10:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m
Shift III: 12:30 p.m to 15:00 p.m
Shift IV: 15.00 p.m to 17.30 p.m

F. COPYRIGHT
This module was written by team of PASCO that Ann Hanks, Sean
McKeever and Geoffrey Clarion. Edited by a team of editors that Chaidir
Anwar, Yusriadi, Farchreza, Ilham Suganda, Ruli Adi Lestari, Miswar Tumpu,
and Andi Rafika. Direction of Sabaruddin Rahman, ST.,MT.,Ph.D As
Responsible for the laboratory.

Gowa, 20 September 2014

Coordinator Practicum

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LIST OF CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER I

: NEWTON'S 2ND LAW

CHAPTER II

: NEWTON'S 3RD LAW

13

CHAPTER III

: HOOKE'S LAW

16

CHAPTER IV

: ROTATIONAL INERTIA

19

CHAPTER V

: VARIABLE-G PENDULUM

25

CHAPTER VI

: PROJECTILE MOTION

29

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CHAPTER I
NEWTON'S 2ND LAW
I. PURPOSE
1. Determine and verify Newtons 2nd Law.
2. The purpose of this activity is to determine what happens to an objects
acceleration when the net force applied to the object stays constant but the
mass of the system is changed.
3. The purpose of this activity is to determine what happens to an objects
acceleration when the net force applied to the object increases but the mass
of the system is constant.

II. BASIC THEORY

According to Newtons Second Law, F = ma, where F is the net force
acting on the object of mass m, and a is the resulting acceleration of the object.
For a cart of mass m1 on a horizontal track with a string attached over a pulley
to a hanging mass m2 , the net force F on the entire system (cart and hanging
mass) is the weight of hanging mass, F = m2g, (assuming that friction is
negligible).
According to Newtons Second Law, this net force should be equal to ma,
where m is the total mass that is being accelerated, which in this case is m1+ m2.
You will check to see if m2g = (m1+ m2)a as predicted by theory. To determine
the acceleration, you will release the cart from rest and measure the time (t) for
it to travel a certain distance (d). Since d = (1/2)at2, the acceleration can be
calculated.

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III. EQUIPMENT

IV.

INCLUDED:

PASPORT

Xplorer GLX

PS-2002

PASCart Dynamics System

ME-6955

Motion Sensor

PS-2103

Force Sensor

PS-2104

Smart Pulley with Clamp

Mass and Hanger Set

ME-9348

Physics String

SE-8050

Adjustable Feet (Optional)

ME-9470

Computer Interface

PS-2001

DataStudio Software

CI-6870

ME-9448A

EQUIPMENT SET-UP

a. Connect the Motion Sensor to a PASPORT interface. Make sure the

switch on the top of the Motion Sensor is set to "cart."
b. Connect the Force Sensor to a PASPORT interface. Connect the
interface to the computer.
c. Using the long thumbscrew, attach the Force Sensor to
the cart.
d. Place the Motion Sensor on one end of the track as in
the picture above. Adjust the alignment knob on the
side of the Motion Sensor so that it points parallel to
the track.
e. Level the track.

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f. Optional: Use adjustable feet on both ends to level the track. Attach the
Motion Sensor to the end of the track as shown at right.
g. Clamp the pulley to the other end of the track. Place this end over the
edge of the table.
h. Wrap one end of a one meter length of string around the notch of the
mass hanger (m1).
i. Place the Cart/Force Sensor assembly on the track. Tie the other end of
the string to the hook of the Force Sensor. Hang the mass hanger (m1)
over the pulley
j. Level the string by adjusting the pulley.
k. Open the file 2nd Law (PP).ds.

V.

PROCEDURE
1. Procedure Newtons Second LawConstant Force
a. With no tension on the string, press the "TARE" or "ZERO" button on the
Force Sensor.
b. Pull the cart (m2) back as far as possible without allowing the mass hanger
to contact the pulley.
c. Simultaneously press the START

button at the top of

DataStudio and release the cart (m2). Prevent the cart from colliding with
the pulley.
d. Make sure the Force Sensors cord does not impede the carts motion.
e. Data recording will stop automatically.
f. Using the cursor, highlight only the section of the velocity graph that
corresponds to the intended motion. Press the Fit

button and select

Linear Fit. Enter the value of the acceleration into the data table.
g. Using the cursor, highlight only the section of the force graph that
corresponds to the accelerated motion. The legend displays the mean force
for this highlighted section. Enter the value of the mean force into the data
table.
h. Go to the EXPERIMENT menu and select "Delete all Data Runs."
i. Repeat the previous steps until a total of 4 data runs are collected. Each

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time increase the mass cart (m2)

j. Observe the Force v Acceleration graph. Press the Fit button and select
Linear Fit. Record the values of the slope and vertical intercept.
k. Find the mass in kilograms of the Cart and Force Sensor.
2. Procedure Newtons Second LawConstant Force
a. With no tension on the string, press the "TARE" or "ZERO" button on the
Force Sensor.
b. Pull the cart (m2) back as far as possible without allowing the mass hanger
to contact the pulley.
c. Simultaneously press the START

button at the top of

DataStudio and release the cart (m2). Prevent the cart from colliding with
the pulley.
d. Make sure the Force Sensors cord does not impede the carts motion.
e. Data recording will stop automatically.
f. Using the cursor, highlight only the section of the velocity graph that
corresponds to the intended motion. Press the Fit

button and select

Linear Fit. Enter the value of the acceleration into the data table.
g. Using the cursor, highlight only the section of the force graph that
corresponds to the accelerated motion. The legend displays the mean force
for this highlighted section. Enter the value of the mean force into the data
table.
h. Go to the EXPERIMENT menu and select "Delete all Data Runs."
i. Repeat the previous steps until a total of 4 data runs are collected. Each
time increase the mass hanger(m1)
j. Observe the Force v Acceleration graph. Press the Fit button and select
Linear Fit. Record the values of the slope and vertical intercept.
k. Find the mass in kilograms of the Cart and Force Sensor.

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VI.

CALCULATIONS
Calculate the theoretical acceleration when the mass is constant and the net
force is changed and record the calculations in the Data Table 3.
The theoretical acceleration is the ratio of the net force divided by the total
mass.
m1g = (m1 + m2)a
For runs #2, #3, and #4, the total mass of the system (mass of cart plus
hanging mass) increases and the net force (hanging mass x 9.8) remains
constant.
Assuming no friction, the net force is the weight of the hanging mass
(mass x 9.8 N/kg).

Find the percent difference between the theoretical and experimental acceleration
and record it in the data table.

%diff = theoretical - experimental

x 100%

theoretical

VII.

Data
VII.1. Data Newtons Second LawConstant Force
Data Table 1
Total mass of the hanging mass (m2):_________

Run

Item

#Run1

Total mass of cart (m1):

#Run2

Total mass of cart plus 0.250 kg:

#Run3

Total mass of cart plus 0.500 kg:

#Run4

Total mass of cart plus 0.750 kg:

Massa(kg)

Net force (hanging mass x 9.8 N/kg): _________

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Data Table 2: Experimental Acceleration

Run

Acceleration (m/s2)

#Run1
#Run2
#Run3
#Run4

Data Table 3

Run

Massa cart(kg)

Acc., theory
(m/s2)

Acc., exp. (m/s2)

Difference (%)

#Run1
#Run2
#Run3
#Run4

Sketch a graph of velocity versus time for one run of data. Include labels and units
for your y axes and x-axes.

VII.2. Data Newtons Second LawConstant Mass

Data Table 1
Initial mass of cart + masses (m1): _________
Run

Item

Massa(kg)

#Run1 Initial mass of the hanging mass :

#Run2 Total mass of hanging masses (0.02 kg + 0.02 kg):
#Run3 Total mass of hanging masses (0.05 kg + 0.01 kg):
#Run4 Total mass of hanging masses (0.05 kg + 0.02 kg + 0.01 kg):
Net force (hanging mass x 9.8 N/kg): _________

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Data Table 2: Experimental Acceleration

Run

Acceleration (m/s2)

#Run1
#Run2
#Run3
#Run4

Data Table 3
Fnet, (net force) = hanging mass x 9.8 N/kg
Run

Hanging
Massa (kg)

Fnet(N)

Acc.,

Acc., exp.

theory

(m/s2)

Difference (%)

(m/s2)
#Run1
#Run2
#Run3
#Run4

Sketch a graph of velocity versus time for one run of data. Include labels and units
for your y axes and x-axes.

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VIII.

PRELIMINARY TASK
1. A truck can produce a force of 7000 N. If the truck can move with an
acceleration of 3.5 m / s, determine the mass of the truck!
2. A block of mass (m1) is located on a smooth horizontal surface, and is
pulled by a rope which connected to another block with mass (m2) through
a pulley (Figure 3.2). Pulleys are assumed to have not mass and friction,
and only function to deflect the direction of the pull rope. Count the
acceleration and tension rope system.
3. A block of mass m which pulled along a horizontal plane by a force F
slick forming an angle of 450 to the horizontal plane.
a. If the the mass of the block is 2.0 kg, how large a force F needed for
the the horizontal beams have velocity 4.0 m / s in 2.0 s starting from
a state of rest.
b. Determine the magnitude of the normal force
4. Block of ice which has a mass of 25 kg pushed by Rafli, with an angle of
30 . If a block of ice moving with a constant acceleration of 2m / s2,
determine major thrust of Rafli!
5. Pongki pull a block mass of 10 kg with a force of 100 N with a direction
forming an angle of 37 to the floor. The coefficient of static and kinetic
swipe material to the floor is 0.5 and 0.4. If the acceleration of gravity at
the 10 ms-2, then specify the object moves or not, if the objects are already
moving determine the acceleration!

REFERENCES
Geoffrey Clarion. Newtons 2 Law. Pasco : United States of America

Congratulations work and hopefully we will all be a reliable technocrats.

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CHAPTER II
NEWTON'S 3RD LAW

I.

EQUIPMENT

INCLUDED:
1

Xplorer GLX

Force Sensor

ScienceWorkshop PASPORT
PS-2002
CI-6746

SE-2104

NOT INCLUDED, BUT REQUIRED:

II.

Computer Interface

CI-6400

PS-2001

DataStudio Software

CI-6870

CI-6870

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this experiment is to determine the relationship between
interacting forces. Two Force Sensors are used to measure the paired forces in
a rubber band tug-o-war and the paired forces in a collision of two carts.

III.

THEORY
Students may be familiar with the following definition of Newton's 3rd
Law:

"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

However, how does the statement above manifest itself in physical

interactions? Specifically, what determines the magnitude and direction of the
forces? These are all questions best left for direct investigation.

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IV.

SET-UP for PASPORT Sensors

1. Connect one Force Sensor to a PASPORT interface. Connect the other

Force Sensor to a PASPORT interface. Connect the interface(s) to the
computer.
2. With nothing connected to the Force Sensors, press the "ZERO" or
"TARE" buttons on the Force Sensors.
3. Attach the hooks of the Force Sensors to the ends of a long rubber band as
in the picture above.
4. Open the file 3rd Law Tug-O-War (PP).ds.

V.

PROCEDURE
1.

Press the Start

button in DataStudio.

2.

Play a small-scale game of tug-o-war with neither Person A nor Person B

winning.

3.

Data Collection will end after several seconds.

4.

If necessary to delete unwanted data, click the "Experiment" button and

select "Delete all data runs."

5.

Record the direction and magnitude of the:

A. Force of person A on Person B (FAB)
B. Force of person B on Person A (FBA)

VI.

6.

Repeat steps 1-5 above with Person A winning.

7.

Repeat steps 1-5 above with Person B winning.

PRELIMINARY TASK
1. Please describe Newtons 3rd Law !
2. No matter how strong you jump, you always fall back to the ground. This is

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because the work yourself gravity trending downward. Newton's third law
states that the earth was withdrawn by you. Why the earth seemed to move
closer to you when you jump?
3. When a tennis ball fell to the floor, the ball bounced up. Is a force required
to make the ball bounce to the top? If he who is doing this style.
4. Why can a rocket work in space while a jet engine is not?
5. Try brother describes the application of Newton's third law on a beam that
was on the floor !
6. Are action and reaction can be mutually exclusive ? explain your opinion !
7. A block lies on a sloping field. The beam is tied by rope. If the rope is
decided what happens in this block ?
Note the image below:

REFERENCES
Geoffrey R. Clarion. Newton3 Law. Pasco : United States of America.
Congratulations work and hopefully we all will be a reliable technocrats.

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CHAPTER III
HOOKE'S LAW
I.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL

Qty

II.

Equipment and Material

Force Sensor

Stative

Hooked Mass Set

Equal Length Spring Set

Xplorer GLX

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this experiment is to find the spring constant for several
springs. The force applied to the spring is measured using a force sensor. The
subsequent extension or compression is measured with a meter stick. A close
analysis of the data produces the spring constant.

III.

THEORY
When force is applied to a spring, the resulting extension or compression
of the spring maintains a linear relationship with the applied force. This
relationship manifests itself in the following equation:

F kx
where F is the applied force, x is the extension or compression of the
spring and k is the spring constant.
Elasticity is: The tendency of an object to the change in the form of
either length, width or height, but its mass remains, it is caused by the forces
pressing or pulling, the force removed when the object back to normal shape.

IV.

PROCEDURE PART A: EXTENSION

1. Hang the heavy spring on a hook force sensor.
2. Hang booth mass at the spring.

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3. Press zero on the force sensor.

4. Measure the initial length of the spring.
5. Select digit on the explorer GLX
6. Press Play.
7. Add 10 g mass on booth.
8. Record the result (N).
9. Measure the length of the spring
10. Repeat Steps 1-6 for 20g and 50g.
11. Repeat steps 1-11 with use light spring

V.

PROCEDURE PART B: COMPRESSION

1. Use the heavy spring bumper.
2. Select digit on the explorer GLX.
3. Measure the initial length of the spring.
4. Press Play.
5. Give pressure on the spring to experience the shortening of 0.5 cm.
6. Record the pressure recorded at the force sensor.
7. Repeat steps 1-6. And make spring shortening 1 cm
8. Repeat steps 1-7 with use light spring bumper

VI.

PRELIMINARY TASK
1. Write the Hooke's Law.
2. Write:
a. Equality of Hooks Law
b. Definition of spring constant
c. Definition of elastic limit
d. Effect of spring constant to spring
e. The units are included in the International unit

3. In general, what pattern do you notice between the force and the
displacement/extension of the spring?
4. A spring is given a force of 10 N and a length change of 0.05 m. If the

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force exerted on the spring by 15 N how much the extension.

5.

Some springs are considered non-Hookian. Explain what this term means.

REFERENCES
Geoffrey Clarion. Hooke law. Pasco : United States of America.

Congratulations work and hopefully we all will be a reliable technocrats.

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CHAPTER IV
ROTATIONAL INERTIA
I.

EQUIPMENT

INCLUDED:

ScienceWorkshop PASPORT

Xplorer GLX

PS-2002

Large Triangle Rod Stand

ME-8735

ME-8735

90 cm Long Steel Rod

ME-8738

ME-8738

Mini-Rotational Accessory

CI-6691

CI-6691

Mass Set (5 g resolution)

ME-9348

ME-9348

Rotary Motion Sensor

CI-6538

PS-2120

Mass Balance (not supplied)

SE-8723

SE-8723

Calipers (not supplied)

SE-8711

SE-8711

Ring

Disk
NOT INCLUDED, BUT REQUIRED:

II.

Computer Interface

CI-6400

PS-2100

DataStudio Software

CI-6870

CI-6870

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this experiment is to find the rotational inertia of a ring
and a disk experimentally and to verify that these values correspond to the
calculated theoretical values. A known torque is applied to the pulley on the
Rotary Motion Sensor, causing a disk and ring to rotate.
The resulting angular acceleration is measured using the slope of a
graph of angular velocity versus time. The rotational inertia of the disk and
ring combination is calculated from the torque and the angular acceleration.
The procedure is repeated for the disk alone to find the rotational inertias of
the ring and disk separately.

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III.

THEORY
Theoretically, the rotational inertia, I, of a ring is given by
I

1
M R12 R22
2

(1)

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 is given by
I

1
MR 2
2

(2)

where M is the mass of the disk and R is the radius of the disk.
To find the rotational inertia of the ring and disk experimentally, a known torque
is applied to the ring and disk, and the resulting angular acceleration, , is
measured. Since = I,
I

(3)

where is the torque caused by the weight hanging from the string which is
wrapped around the 3-step pulley of the apparatus.
=rT

(4)

where r is the radius of the pulley about which the string is wound and F is the
tension in the string when the apparatus is rotating. Also, a=r, where "a" is the
linear acceleration of the string.
Applying Newtons Second Law for the hanging mass, m, gives (see figure 2.
F mg F ma

(5)

F
a

mg
Figure 2 : Rotational Apparatus and free body Diagram

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Solving for the tension in the string gives F m(g a) .

(6)

Once the linear acceleration of the mass (m) is determined, the torque and the
angular acceleration can be obtained for the calculation of the rotational inertia.

SET-UP for PASPORT Sensors

1.

Set up the rotational apparatus as

shown in Figure 3. The thread should
be tied around the smallest step on the
Rotary Motion Sensor pulley, threaded
down through the edge hole, and
wrapped around the middle step of the
pulley.

2.

Plug the Rotary Motion Sensor into

Explorer GLX or PASPORT Interface
channel 1.

3.

Plug Computer interface into Explorer

with USB Cable.

4.

Run DataStudio on the computer and

open the file called "Rotational Inertia
(PP)".

5.

Definitely the data which in explorer

GLX same with DataStudio.
Figure 3: Setup

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IV.

PROCEDURE
IV.1. MEASUREMENTS FOR THE THEORETICAL ROTATIONAL
INERTIA
1. Find the masses of the ring and the disk using the mass balance.
2. Find the masses of the mass set using the mass balance.
3. Measure the inside and outside diameters and calculate the radial R1 and
R2 and R.

IV.2. MEASUREMENTS FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL METHOD

1. FINDING THE ACCELERATION OF THE RING AND DISK
(a) Put the ring and disk on the Rotary Motion Sensor. To find the
acceleration of this combination, put about 20 g over the pulley and
record the angular velocity versus time on a graph as the mass falls to
the table.
(b) Use the curve fit button on the graph to find the straight line that best
fits the data. Use the mouse to select the part of the graph where the
mass was falling, so the line will be fitted only to this part of the data.
(c) The slope of the best-fit line is the angular acceleration of the
apparatus. Record this acceleration.
(d) Repeat procedure point (a)-(c) with load masses 5 gr.
(d) Remove the ring and load masses 5 gr, repeat this procedure with only
the disk on the Rotary Motion
2. FINDING THE ACCELERATION OF THE ROTARY MOTION
SENSOR
In Step 1 the Rotary Motion Sensor is rotating as well as the ring and
disk. It is necessary to determine the acceleration, and the rotational inertia,
of the Rotary Motion Sensor by itself so this rotational inertia can be
subtracted from the total, leaving only the rotational inertia of the ring and
disk. To do this, take the ring and disk off the rotational apparatus and
repeat Step 1 for the Rotary Motion Sensor alone. Note that it is only
necessary to put about 5 g over the pulley in Step 1.

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V.

CALCULATIONS
1. Calculate the experimental value of the rotational inertia of the ring, load
masses 5 gr, disk, and Rotary Motion Sensor together using Equations (3),
(4), and (5).
2. Calculate the experimental value of the rotational inertia of the disk and
Rotary Motion Sensor together using Equations (3), (4), and (5).
3. Calculate the experimental value of the rotational inertia of the Rotary
Motion Sensor alone using Equations (3), (4), and (5).
4. Calculate the theoretical values of the rotational inertia of the ring and disk
using Equations (1), and (2).

5. Use percent differences to compare the experimental values to the

theoretical values.

%difference

Experimental Theoretical
x100
Theoretical

6. Draw the graph of motion from DataStudio in report.

VI.

PRELIMINARY TASK
1. A system consists of two block m1 and m2 which
tied to a hollow cylindrical of pulley. In the first
block rope is wound on the outside of cylinder,
and the second block is wound on the inside of
cylinder, as shown. If the known the mass of 6
kg in the first block, a second block the mass of
9 kg, outer radius of pulley 30 cm, inner radius
of the of pulley 20 cm, 2 kg the mass of
pulley, gravity 9.8 N/kg, determine the

m1

m2

angular acceleration in this system and determine the direction of rotation

in this system!

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2. If the system at number 1, the system rotates counter-clockwise with an

angular acceleration of 5 rad/s2, gravity was considered 10 N/kg, 6 kg the
mass of first block, the second block the mass of 9 kg, outer radius of
pulley cylinder 30 cm, while the inner radius of inside 15 cm, determine
the mass of the pulley !

3. A rigid ball rolled perfectly (without slip) on an inclined plane with slope
. If a ball mass of 2 kg with a radius
of 10 cm, determine the linear
acceleration the ball down the
incline and Show the step by step!
(acceleration of gravity = 10 N/kg
and tan = 21/72).

REFERENCES

Ann Hanks. Rotational Inertia. Pasco : United States of America.

Congratulations work and hopefully we all will be a reliable technocrats.

24 | P a g e

CHAPTER V
VARIABLE-G PENDULUM
I.

THEORY
A simple pendulum consists of a point mass at a distance L away from a
pivot point. In this experiment, a mass is attached to a lightweight rod and the
mass is concentrated enough to assume it is a point mass and the rod's mass
can be neglected.
The period of a simple pendulum is given by

T 2

(1)

geffective

For small amplitude (less than 20o).

In this experiment, the acceleration due to gravity (g) will be varied. To

accomplish the variation in g, the plane of oscillation of the pendulum will be
varied. See Figure 1.

The component of g that pulls straight down on the

pendulum when it is in equilibrium is the effective g:

geffective g cos

II.

(2)

EQUIPMENT

INCLUDED:
1

Large Rod Stand

ME-8735

45 cm Long Steel Rod

ME-8736

Variable-g Pendulum Accessory

ME-8745

Mini-Rotational Accessory (Need rod and masses only)

CI-6691

Rotary Motion Sensor

CI-6538

NOT INCLUDED, BUT REQUIRED:

1

ScienceWorkshop 750 Interface

CI-6400

DataStudio Software

CI-6870

25 | P a g e

III.

SET UP
1. Remove the thumb screw from the clamp on the Rotary Motion
Sensor. See Figure 2.
2. Remove one of the rod clamps from the Adjustable Angle Clamp.
3. Screw the Adjustable Angle Clamp onto the Rotary Motion Sensor.

Figure 2: Attaching the Rod Clamp

4. Mount the Rotary Motion Sensor on

the rod stand (see Figure 3).
5. Put the pulley on the Rotary Motion
Sensor with the largest step outward.
Attach the rod to the Rotary Motion
Sensor pulley and put the two 75 g
masses on the end of the rod.

Figure 3: Setup
Figure 4: Attaching Angle Indicator

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6. Slide the angle indicator onto the end of the Rotary Motion Sensor (see
Figure 4).
7. Plug the Rotary Motion Sensor into Channels 1 and 2 on the
ScienceWorkshop interface.
8. Open the DataStudio file called "Variable-g.ds".

IV.

PROCEDURE
1. Clamp the pendulum clamp at zero degrees. Click on START and
displace the pendulum from equilibrium (no more than 20 degrees
amplitude) and let go. Read the period on the digits display and type
the value into the table on the line next to zero degrees. Do NOT click
on STOP.
2. Clamp the pendulum at 5 degrees. Displace the pendulum from
equilibrium (no more than 20 degrees amplitude) and let go. Record
the new period in the table.
3. Repeat Step 2 for 10 degrees to 85 degrees, in increments of 5 degrees.
Then click on STOP.
4. Examine the graph of the period vs. geffective. To determine how the
period depends on g, use the Curve Fit by clicking on the Fit button at
the top of the graph. Select various functions to try to find which
function fits the data.

V.

PRELIMINARY TASK
1. Explain the definition of :
a. variable G
b. pendulum
c. period
d. frequency
e. length of wave
2. Explain about why T (period) in experiment Variable G is very
important.
3. Explain the working principle of a pendulum.

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4. Explain derivation formulas of the variable G

5. Explain:
a. The influence angle of the variable G
b. how much and why maximum angle which used in attaching angle
indicator ?
6. Explain the difference between Geff in angle 00 and angle 200

REFERENCES

Ann Hanks. Variable-G. Pasco. United States of America.

"Congratulations work and hopefully we all will be a reliable technocrats.

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CHAPTER VI
PROJECTILE MOTION

A. EQUIPMENT

INCLUDED

PASPORT

Mini Launcher

ME-6825

Smart Timer

ME-8930

Time of Flight Accessory

ME-6810

Photogate Head

ME-9498A

Photogate Bracket

ME-6821

Universal Table Clamp

ME-9376B

Carbon Paper

SE-8693

Metric Measuring Tape

SE-8712A

Steel Ball

B. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this experiment is to predict the horizontal range of a projectile
shot from various heights and angles. In addition, students will compare the time
of flight for projectiles shot horizontally at different muzzle velocities.

C. THEORY
The horizontal range, x, for a projectile can be found using the following
equation:
x v x t

(1)

where vx is the horizontal velocity and t is the time of flight.

To find the time of flight, t, the following kinematic equation is needed:

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1
a y t 2 v y0 t
2

(2)

where y is the height, ay is the acceleration due to gravity and vy0 is the vertical
component of the initial velocity.

When a projectile is fired horizontally (from a height), the time of flight can be
found from rearranging Equation 2. Since the initial velocity is zero, the last term
drops out of the equation yielding:

2y
ay

(2a)

When a projectile is fired at an angle and it lands at the same elevation from
which it was launched, the first term in Equation 2 is dropped. Rearranging yields:

2vy 0
ay

(2b)

When a projectile is fired from a height, none of the terms drop out and
Equation 2 must be rearranged as follows:

1
a y t 2 v y 0 t y 0
2

(2c)

Equation 2c must be solved quadratically to find the time of flight, t.

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D. EXPERIMENT SETUP Part A1: Muzzle Velocity

Safety
Wear Safety Goggles.
Do not place foreign objects into the
Launcher.
Do not look into the Launcher.
Do not aim the Launcher at others.

1. Choose one corner of a table to place the projectile launcher. Make sure a
distance of about 3 meters is clear on the floor around the table.
2. Clamp the launcher to the corner of the table using the Universal Table
Clamp (see photo below).

3. Using the attached plumb bob, adjust the angle of the launcher to 0o.
4. Slide the Photogate Bracket into the groove on the bottom of the launcher
and tighten the thumbscrew.
5. Connect two photogates to the bracket (see photo below).

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6. Plug the photogate closest to the launcher into port 1 on the Smart Timer.
Plug the other photogate into port 2.
7. Turn on the Smart Timer. Using the red "Select Measurement" button,
choose the "Time" Measurement.
8. Plug the photogate closest to the launcher into port 1 on the Smart Timer.
Plug the Time of Flight Accessory into port 2.
9. Turn on the Smart Timer. Using the red "Select Measurement" button,
choose the "Time" Measurement.
10. Using the blue "Select Mode" button, choose the "Two Gates Mode." This
will measure the time it takes the projectile to travel between the two
photogates.

D.1 PROCEDURE Part A1: Muzzle Velocity

1. Using the cross-hairs on the side, record the height of the projectile. In
addition, record the spacing between the two photogates.
2. Place the steel ball into the launcher and use the push rod to load the ball
until the 3rd click is heard.
3. Hold a piece of cardboard a few centimeters past the 2nd photogate to block

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the ball.
4. Press the Start button on the Smart Timer.
5. Pull the launch cord on the launcher.
6. Record the time from the Smart Timer display.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 for 2 clicks and 1 click.

Data Table A1
Projectile Height: _________ m
Photogate Spacing: ________________ m
Number of Clicks

Time Between Photogates (s)

3rd Click
2nd Click
1st Click

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D.2 PROCEDURE - Part A2: Muzzle Velocity v. Time of Flight

1. Remove the photogate from port 2 of the Smart Timer and replace it with
the Time of Flight Accessory.

2. Load the ball into the launcher to the 3rd click.

3. Predict where the ball will land and explain your prediction.
4. Launch the ball and note where it lands. Place the Time of Flight
Accessory such that the ball will land on it.
5. Place the steel ball into the launcher and use the loader to push the ball in
until the 3rd click is heard.
6. Press the Start button on the Smart Timer. Note: Use the same Smart
Timer setting as Part A1.
7. Pull the launch cord on the launcher.
8. Record the time from the Smart Timer display into Data Analysis Table
A2.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 for 2 clicks and 1 click.

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D.3 DATA ANALYSIS Part A2: Muzzle Velocity v. Time of Flight

1. Use the time between the photogates and the spacing between the
photogates to find the muzzle velocity of the projectile for each firing.
2. Record these values into Data Analysis Table A2.

Data Analysis Table A2

Number of Clicks

Muzzle Velocity (m/s)

Time of Flight (s)

3rd Click
2nd Click
1st Click

E. PREDICTION - Part B: RANGE

1. Using the initial height of the projectile and the muzzle velocity from the
"3rd click," calculate the theoretical horizontal range of the ball.

E.1 EXPERIMENT SETUP Part B: RANGE

1. Tape a target to the floor in front of the projectile launcher at a distance
equal to the range prediction calculated above.
2. Place carbon paper over the target.
3. Align the projectile launcher.
4. Launch the ball from the 3rd click. Repeat four more times.
5. Remove the carbon paper. Observe the locations where the ball struck the
Bull's Eye.

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E.2 PARTS A and B: CONCLUSIONS/QUESTIONS

1. Draw a force diagram for the ball as it flies through the air.
2. Which variable(s) affect the horizontal range?
3. How would the horizontal range change if the muzzle velocity was
doubled? Explain how.
4. How would the horizontal range change if the height from the ground was
quadrupled? Explain how.
5. How would the horizontal range change if the mass of the ball was
doubled? Explain how.
6. Which variable(s) affect the time of flight?
7. How would the time of flight change if the muzzle velocity was doubled?
Explain how.
8. How would the time of flight change if the height from the ground was
quadrupled? Explain how.
9. How would the time of flight change if the mass of the ball was doubled?
Explain how.
10. What force are we able to ignore in this experiment? Explain.

F. EXPERIMENT SETUP PART C - LAUNCHING AT AN ANGLE

1. Clamp the launcher to the edge of a table using the Universal Table Clamp
so that the ball launches from and lands at the same elevation (see photo
below).
2. Adjust the angle of the launcher to 10o. Note: With the photogate bracket

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and photogates attached to the launcher, the lowest angle is approximately

23o.
3. Plug the photogate closest to the launcher into port 1 on the Smart Timer.
Plug the other photogate into port 2.
4. Turn on the Smart Timer. Using the red "Select Measurement" button,
choose the "Time" Measurement."
5. Plug the photogate closest to the launcher into port 1 on the Smart Timer.
Plug the time of flight into port 2.
6. Turn on the Smart Timer. Using the red "Select Measurement" button,
choose the "Time" Measurement."
7. Using the blue "Select Mode" button, choose the "Two Gates Mode." This
will measure the time it takes the projectile to travel between the two
photogates.

F.1 PROCEDURE PART C - LAUNCHING AT AN ANGLE

1. Using the push rod, push the ball as far as possible into the Launcher. Make
sure three clicks are heard. Using the string, pull back on the trigger. Note
the location on the table where the ball lands.
2. Tape a sheet of blank paper at this location. Place carbon paper over the
blank paper.
3. Load the Launcher.
4. Press the Start button on the Smart Timer.
5. Launch the ball.
6. Use the tape measure to find the horizontal range.
7. Record the experimental data. Enter the value of the angle in degrees, the
time between photogates, and the horizontal range in meters into the
Measured Range data table.
8. Repeat the steps 1-7 for 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 degrees.

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Data Table: C1 Measured Range

Distance Between Photogates: __________ m
Angle

Time between Horizontal

(degrees)

Photogates (s) Range (m)

10
20
30
40
50
60
70

F.2 ANALYSIS PART C - LAUNCHING AT AN ANGLE

1. Using the distance between the photogates and the time between the
photogates (Data Table C1), calculate the initial velocities of the ball.
Record these values into the Initial Velocity Analysis Table.

Analysis Table C2: Initial Velocity

Angle (degrees)

Initial Velocity (m/s)

10
20
30
40
50
60
70

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2. Using the initial velocity and the angle; calculate the horizontal range in
meters. Enter this value for each angle into the Calculated Range Analysis
Table. Hint: Calculate the components of the initial velocities. See the
THEORY section.

Analysis Table C3: Calculated Range

Angle (degrees)

Horizontal Range (m)

10
20
30
40
50
60
70

3. Use DataStudio to plot both the Measured Horizontal Range vs. Angle and the
Calculated Horizontal Range vs. Angle on the same graph.

F.3 PART C: CONCLUSIONS/QUESTIONS

1. Sketch the trajectory of your projectile when it was shot at an angle of 25o.
Draw 5 qualitative horizontal velocity vectors at different locations on
your sketch. Make sure the lengths of the vectors represent the relative
magnitudes of the velocities. In other words, low velocities should be
represented by short arrows and long arrows should represent large
velocities.
2. Draw 5 qualitative vertical velocity vectors at the same points on your

39 | P a g e

sketch. Make sure the lengths of the vectors represent the relative
magnitudes of the velocities.
3. Draw another sketch of the trajectory of your projectile when it was shot at
25 degrees. Draw 5 qualitative horizontal acceleration vectors at different
locations on your sketch. Make sure the lengths of the vectors represent
the relative magnitudes of the accelerations.
4. Draw 5 qualitative vertical acceleration vectors at the same points on your
sketch. Make sure the lengths of the vectors represent the relative
magnitudes of the accelerations.
5. Draw a force diagram of the ball as it rests in the Launcher. Draw a force
diagram of the ball as it flies through the air.
6. Refer to your Angle vs. Range graph. What angle corresponds to the
maximum range? Explain why this particular angle produces the
maximum range.
7. In general terms, at what angle is the Launcher the most precise? Explain.

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G. PRELIMINARY TASK
1. Draw projection track of projectile motion along with projection
component that work at any high?
2. Mention of components which work in projectile motion?
3. Write formulas contained in projectile motion?

REFERENCES

McKeever, Clarion. Projectile Motion. Pasco : United States of America.

If you train hard, you'll not only experiencing difficulties, but you will be hard
to beat. (Herschel Walker)
Congratulations work and hopefully we all will be a reliable technocrats.

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