1G10.42 - Atwood's machine
- Description
Atwood’s machine consists of two weights connected by a string that passes over a pulley. The demonstration shows how the machine can be used to study the laws of motion and gravity, different weights lead to different results.. It’s a practical and visual way to understand Newton’s second law of motion and the concept of gravitational acceleration.
- Equipment
- Two weight constrictions of adjustable weight
- Two strings
- Two pulleys
- Newton’s meter
- How to assemble and operate
- 1. Assemble the equipment as shown on the image
- 2. Put weights at the end of the strings - start with equal weight on both ends and observe what Newton’s meter measures - talk to the students about this. The setup is under equilibrium when the two masses are identical.
- 3. Now, try experimenting by putting different masses on each end and observe what happens. Feel free to discuss it with the students as well.