1G30.22 Tension in Atwood’s Machine

Hang an Atwood’s machine from a spring scale and take readings in both static and dynamic cases.

A lightweight plastic pulley hangs vertically from a tall table stand. The pulley hangs from a small spring scale that is hooked to the stand. A string passes over the pulley. A small hooked mass hangs from each side of the spring. The entire apparatus resembles a classic Atwood machine set-up, with the addition of a spring scale that records the force on the pulley under various conditions.

The set up is shown above, with a hanging Atwoods machine connected to a spring scale with two masses.

A close-up of the spring scale that supports the pulley in this Atwood's machine variation. The scale marks 4.5 N in this static case.

The static case is pictured on the scale.

 

Location: spring scale HI-2, masses FG-7 , Atwood’s machine FG-6 , string(End of aisle D), table clamp FG-8 , rods BC-1/2, hooks DE-8