You are familiar with Newton's Second Law for translation:
F = m * a
This quarter, you learn about the analog in rotation:
torque = (moment of inertia) * (angular acceleration)
This week, you will measure the moment of inertia of a big hoop experimentally, using this equation. Because the hoop is a relatively simple geometric shape, it is also possible to calculate its moment of inertia theoretically. The goal of this week's experiment is to see if the two values match to within the uncertainties; and, if not, explain the discrepancy.
For simple solid objects, one can calculate the moment of inertia from the mass, size, and shape. Have one member of each lab group concentrate on doing this for your hoop.
Measure the mass of the hoop M, and its uncertainty. Assume that the hoop is perfectly circular and of uniform thickness. Measure its inner and outer diameters. Calculate its inner and outer radii, R(inner) and R(outer). Find an equation for the moment of inertia of a hoop in your textbook. Use it and your measurements to calculate the moment of inertia of your hoop, and the uncertainty therein.
You can apply a constant torque to the hub holding your hoop by hanging weights from a string which is wrapped around the hub. As the weights fall, they cause the hub to spin. You may assume that the torque applied by the weights is
torque = (mass of weight) * g * (radius of hub)In reality, the torque is a little bit smaller than this. Why?
Due to this torque, the hub and hoop spin. Their angular acceleration is
angular accel = (torque) / (moment of inertia)
The weight falls downwards with a linear acceleration which is related to the angular acceleration of the hub via:
linear accel = (angular accel) * (radius of hub)
Derive an equation which relates the linear acceleration of the weight to its mass. Express it in the form:linear accel = (something) * (mass of weight)Perform a set of experiments to measure this acceleration. Place at least 4 different masses on the hanging weight (anywhere from 100 to 500 grams). For each mass, measure the time it takes for the weight to fall all the way to the padded box. Make three trials for each mass. Calculate the average acceleration for each mass, and its uncertainty.
Now, you can use your data to determine the moment of inertia.
Derive an equation which relates the linear acceleration Make a graph with the weight's mass on the x-axis, and the acceleration of the weight on the y-axis. Find the slope of the line on the graph, and its uncertainty. Use the slope to calculate the moment of inertia, and its uncertainty.
This week, I want you to hand in all your work before the lab period ends.
I expect
linear accel = (something) * (mass of weight)where you must describe the algebraic terms inside the "something". One of them should be moment of inertia.
I will deduct a full letter grade from any report which includes the phrase "human error."
Last modified Mar 25, 2001 by MWR.
Copyright © Michael Richmond.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.