1M40.12 Accelerometer Pendulum

1M40.12 Accelerometer Pendulum

An inexpensive accelerometer is the pendulum bob. When swung through an angle of 90 degrees the accelerometer shows 3 g’s at the bottom of the swing. Alternatively, swing a mass attached to a large demonstration spring scale by a 1 meter string.

A large dial-style spring scale hangs from a string. The spring scale is oriented so that it can swing freely with the dial and indicator needle facing the students. A 1-kg mass hangs from the bottom of the scale. A hand draws back the scale, preparing to release the "pendulum".

 

This close-up of a variant of the demonstration shows a digital accelerometer hanging from the table stand by a long string. A box resembling a read-out display rests on the table nearby.

Location: Scale:HI-2, Mass: FG-7