Mechanics
M-O1 : Spring Coupled Pendulums
Unit
Oscillations
Purpose
To demonstrate energy transfer using pendulums
Equipment
- Stand with clamp
- Rod
- Spring
- Weights of identical size
Suggestions
- Both pendulums must be completly still before attempting experiment
- Let rotation run through many times
Discussion
- Set up
- Drawing back the right pendulum
- The right pendulum momentarily at rest; left pendulum oscillating
- The left pendulum momentarily at rest; mechanical energy transferred back to the right pendulum
M-O2 : Coupled Pendulum
Unit
Oscillations
Purpose
To use coupled pendulums to understand energy transfer
Equipment
- Stand
- Three balls, two with string of same length, and all hanging from the same string
- String
Suggestions
Make sure the string length of two of the three pendulums is exactly the same, while significantly different.
Discussion
- The set-up
- One of the shorter pendulums before release
- and 4. The second short pendulum at its maximum swing, having acquired all of the mechanical energy of the system
5. Intermediate stage, the two short pendulums share the mechanical energy of the system
M-O3 : Physical Pendulum [NYA]
Unit
Pendulum as Sho
Purpose
Illustrate the difference between an ideal and a physical pendulum, the role of moment of inertia in the later.
Equipment
- Physical pendulum [NYA]
- "Ideal" pendulum of adjustable length
- A stand
Suggestions
- Suspend the pendulum at CM
- Suspend the pendulum at a point different then CM
- Compare with an equivalent ideal pendulum
Discussion
M-O4 : Wreck Ball [NYA]
Unit
Pendulum as Sho
Purpose
Demonstrate your confidence in SHO equations
Equipment
- Large and heavy metal ball [NYA]
- Suspension string and hook [NYA]
Suggestions
- Swing sidewise to show the oscillations
- With the head imobilized against a flat surface, bring the ball away from equilibrium to your nose and release. Do not move your head!!