Revision as of 16:06, 26 August 2008

Demonstration

Start with diagrams of the pullies and discuss what will happen and move onto how high the mass will eventually rise, you can even give them some values to use in a calculation. Then do the experiment to answer their predictions. Use the data logger to plot velocity against time so that they use the kinetic energy to find the final height that the mass will get to. Finally set the datalogger to measure distance travelled against time to find the result.

Resources

Research into the understanding of Newton I

Analysis

Initially use F=ma to find the acceleration. Then use v^2=u^2+2as to find the upward velocity and then s=ut+0.5at^2 to find how high the mass will go. Once you have a graph of velocity against time you can use the conservation of energy to work out how high the mass will travel.

Equipment

1x PASCO pulley, 2x large masses, 1x small mass, 1x long string, 1x ruler

Safety

Keep clear of the ropes and masses when they are moving.

Syllabus