Experiments with Rotary Motion Sensor and Vernier Data Logger

 

ROTATIONAL DYNAMICS
Objectives:

• Collect angular acceleration data for objects subjected to a torque.
• Determine an expression for the torque applied to a rotating system.
• Determine the relationship between torque and angular acceleration.
• Relate the slope of a linearized graph to system parameters.
• Make and test predictions of the effect of changes in system parameters on the constant of proportionality.

CONSERVATION OF ANGULAR MOMENTUM
Objectives:

• Collect angle vs. time and angular velocity vs. time data for rotating systems.
• Analyze the θ-t and ω-t graphs both before and after changes in the moment of inertia.
• Determine the effect of changes in the moment of inertia on the angular momentum of the system.

PENDULUM PERIODS
Objectives:

• Collect angle vs. time data for a simple pendulum.
• Determine the best-fit equation for the angle vs. time graph.
• From an analysis of the forces acting on the pendulum bob, derive the equation describing the motion of the pendulum.
• Relate the parameters in the best-fit equation for the angle vs. time graph to their physical counterparts in the system.
• Determine the period of oscillation from an analysis of the angle vs. time graph.
• Account for the deviation from constant periods when the amplitude becomes large.

PHYSICAL PENDULUM
Objectives:

• Collect angle vs. time data for a variety of physical pendulums.
• Determine the period of oscillation from an analysis of the angle vs. time graph.
• From an analysis of the torques acting on the system, derive the equation describing the motion of the physical pendulum.
• Compare this equation to the one that describes the motion of a simple pendulum.
• Relate the angular frequency, ω, of the system to its physical features.
• Compare the agreement between experimental and calculated values of ω determined by this treatment of the system with those obtained by treating the system as if it were a simple pendulum.

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