Hang unequal masses from each end of
a string
over a pulley. Monitor the motion with the rotary motion sensor
to
determine the acceleration. Compare with the predicted value.
Alternatively, one could use the
measured
acceleration to determine the value for the acceleration due to gravity.
NOTES
Hang the string over the larger
diameter pulley
for the distance data to be accurate.
Position the coffee can to catch the
falling
mass.
The pulley is light and has low
friction bearings,
so rotational inertia and friction can be ignored. A different
pulley
is available for demonstrating a system in which its rotational inertia
is not negligible.
The results below were obtained with
50 g
on one side and 60 g on the other.
