3.

Atwood's Machine Experiment

In performing this experiment, you will learn about three important aspects of experimental physics. The
apparatus is technically more sophisticated than the ones used in the previous experiments. You will
measure a time interval with an electronic timer that automatic starts and stops. Atwood's machine is a
device which allows a kinematic measurement of the acceleration of gravity by slowing the motion of a
pair of weights. There are many possible causes of systematic error which you will have to be on the
lookout for. Finally, you will learn to linearize the mathematical expression relating the dynamic variables
describing the motion so that the experimental result can be obtained by fitting a straight line to the data.
This is an important method of data analysis, which you will use repeatedly during this course.

Purpose
To determine the local acceleration due to gravity by means of Atwood's Machine and measure the
frictional torque of the apparatus.

Apparatus
The Atwood Machine consists of two unequal weights joined by a light inextensible string which passes
over a light pulley. A solenoid magnet and micro-switch have been added to the machine to provide a
precise method of timing the movement of the weights.

Figure 1: Atwood's Machine Apparatus

Theory
Assume 2 > 1. Applying the second law of motion on weights

and

2 2 = 2

(3.1)

1 1 = 1

(3.2)

Figure 2: Atwood's machine forces diagram

In the equations of motion for rotating systems, friction always appears in the form of a torque (or moment)
which tends to slow down the rotation; there is a counter-clockwise torque = 2 - 1 , where 1 and
2 are the reactions to 1 and 2 , having the same magnitudes ( = ) and is the radius of the pulley.
This torque causes the pulley to rotate with angular acceleration, and for the rotation of the pulley
(torque equation)
= 2 1

(3.3)

where is rotational inertia of the pulley, is the torque due to the friction in the axel, and is again the
radius of the pulley. We also assume that the angle between the string and the radius of the pulley is always
= 90 so that sin() = 1.
Now, one needs a fourth equation (unknowns are , , 1 , 2 ) and it comes from our assumption that there
is no slipping of the string over the pulley. So,
=
Substitution of into the torque equation gives

(3.4)


+ = 2 1
2

(3.5)

2 1 (2 1 ) = (2 + 1 )

(3.6)

Adding the first two equations gives

Combining Eq. 3.5 and 3.6 results in

=

(2 1 )
1 + 2 + 2

(3.7)

Or, in order to use only total mass = 1 + 2 , and the mass difference = 2 1 the
acceleration looks like this

=
+ 2

(3.8)

Since the masses move along straight, vertical lines, at a constant accelerations, one can determine
acceleration by measuring the time, , it takes for 1 to rise a distance from the rest using relation
2
=
2

(3.9)

Eliminating from last two equations, a cumbersome relation appears

1

2 2( + / 2 )
2( + / 2 )
1

(3.10)
1

Now, this is a linear equation 2 vs . One needs then to measure, and plot, 2 vs with a sufficient
number of points and then from the slope and the -intercept, and could be calculated.

Procedure
All measurements will have to be performed three times. The variation of the measured quantity will
indicate the statistical error which will have to be compared with the reading error of your instrument.
Mass measurement
1. The weights provided are two larger weights ( 250 g) and 10 washers ( 1 g).
2. Weigh the weight with the iron insert, including the screw. This weight has a rusted circle under
it, its the only one that will be attracted to the magnet. This will be 1 . Let the string hang on the
side and make sure it doesnt pull on the scale; the mass of the string will be neglected.
3. Weigh the other weight with its screw, this one is 2 .

4. Measure the total mass of ten washers, a division by 10 gives the mass of one washer . The
error (statistical or reading) will also have to be divided by 10.
5. Enter your data in a table similar to Table 1, in your notebook.
Masses
Trial #

Weight
with the
iron core+

Lengths
Other
weight +
screw

Mass of
one washer

2 ()

()

screw
1 ()

(mass of
all/10)

distance
travelled by
1

Radius of the
pulley

()

()

(diameter/2)

1
2
3
Average
Reading error
Standard Deviation ()
Std Dev mean ( )
Final Measurement
(average error) units
Table 1: Example of a table for masses and lengths

Set up of apparatus
6. Thread the string, with the masses at both ends, over the pulley. The string must pass through the
guide holes on both sides of the pulley. The mass with iron insert must be on the solenoid side,
and initially, the ten washers must be on the other side. The string may slip, and the weights may
hit you, so be careful.
7. Measure the travelling distance of 1 () from the top of the solenoid to the bottom of the mass
when it is in contact with the micro-switch at the top.
8. In order to determine the radius of the pulley (), measure from the separation of the two sides of
the string. Try to be as accurate as possible; it might help to put the same mass on both sides. Then

divide by 2 since you measured the equivalent of the diameter and , = 2 . Youll also need to
divide the reading error by 2.
9. Set the POWER switch, on the front panel of the clock, to ON. The mass should be kept in place
by the electromagnet.
10. At first you will have 10 washer on 2 and 0 on 1 . Then, 9 washers on 2 and 1 on 1 . All
the way down to 6 washers on 2 and 4 on 1 . For each make enough trials to have five
consistent times, {1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 }. Proceed as follows:
a. Carefully raise 2 until 1 is in contact with the solenoid, and then, RESET the clock.
This will cause the solenoid to be activated, thus, holding 1 in place. This procedure gives
minimum oscillations of 1 as it rises.
b. Having checked that everything is in order, press the START button (or the trigger switch).
This action releases 1 and starts the clock simultaneously. The clock automatically stops
when 1 hits the micro-switch at the top. Make sure that the string doesnt swing like a

pendulum, otherwise it will introduce a centripetal force and the string might rub against
the apparatus.
WARNING: When adding or removing washers, rest the OTHER weight on the bench top.
Failure to follow this procedure can lead to damage or injury.
11. Enter your data in the Logger pro file found on Culearn.
12. Once you have five successful trials, transfer one washer from the 2 side to the 1 (solenoid)
side. Note that when you transfer one washer from one side to the other, the difference of mass
() increase by 2 . Recheck that the string is properly threaded in the guide holes and that
alignment is good before proceeding with the next point. Measure for all five points (10-0, 9-1, 82, 7-3, 6-4).

Data Analysis
13. The Logger Pro file will complete several columns automatically, others will have to be added by
hand. You have to provide us with a sample calculation in your lab report, even for the
columns that are automatically calculated!
14. Calculate the difference of mass between the two sides () for each configuration, for
example:
1st

100 = (2 + 10 ) 1

2nd

91 = (2 + 9 ) (1 + )

3rd

82 = (2 + 8 ) (1 + 2 )

4th

5th

15. The error on have to be calculated by combining three measurements together (using both the
addition and subtraction error propagation rules). This equation is only good for the 100, but
for simplicity, we will use it for the other four :
2 + 2 + 100 2
=
2

(3.11)

16. The clock can be read down to 0.001 s, but you may find that the times for a given are not
reproduced with this accuracy.
a. Fill the Reading Error (RE) column.
b. Its more precise to calculate the average time ( ) for your measurements ,
=

(3.12)

c. Since you only have a few measurements you will need to use the inefficient statistics
equation for the standard deviation .
=

(3.13)

(3.14)

d. Logger Pro will automatically take as the dominant source of error, which is right
for most of your measurements. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility to compare the
reading error of the clock with the standard deviation just like before:
2 the Reading error, use the Reading error
> 2 the Reading error, use (remember =

(3.15)

(3.16)

and pick either the reading error or the statistical error as your dominant source of error. It
is always good practice to specify which error was the dominant one for each measurement.
In the calculation section you need to show how you compared the two sources of error, at
least once.
1
17. From , you can calculate ( )2 since youll need this to draw your graph. Youll also need to

find the error on this quantity which gives the vertical error bars for experimental points. If you
use error propagation techniques, you should find:

1
2

2
3

(3.17)

18. The corresponding x-coordinates are , that you already calculated. All horizontal error bars will
have the same size.
It is very useful to calculate the plotted quantities and to plot them as you make the measurements. This
is the only way you can become aware of inconsistencies in your data. It is not good to discover
measurement errors after the apparatus has been dismantled and you have left the lab.
Plotting the graph
19. If you take

1
2

vs , you should obtain a linear relationship. Using logger pro, fill all columns

and the graph should appear with error bars on each points. Make sure that the title is correct (to
add a title, double click on the graph), check your units and the scale of the graph.
20. Find the slope () and the error on the slope ( ) by fitting a straight line (Analyze Linear Fit).
If the error on the slope does not appear, double click on the Linear fit panel and check Show
Uncertainty. Make sure that the font in the Linear Fit panel is big enough.

21. To calculate and its error ( ), its easier if we define A and its error ( ), as
= + 2

(3.18)

2
2
=
+ /
2

(3.19)

22. Remember that is the total mass on the machine, you need to calculate it. Calculate also its error.
= 1 + 2 + 10

(3.20)

2 + 2 + 100 2
=
2

(3.21)

23. The quantity / 2 is related to the inertia of the pulley, for your apparatus, the given value is:
/ 2 = (80 1)

(3.22)

24. Then, by using Eq. 3.10, you find the slope equal to:
=

=
2
2( + / ) 2

(3.23)

and therefore, you can solve for :

= 2

(3.24)

Then the error on is:

2 2
+
+
2 2 2

(3.25)

25. To find the frictional torque (), you need the y-intercept (). By setting = 0 in Eq. 3.10, the
y-intercept is:
=

(3.26)

It is simply a matter of rearranging the last equation to calculate and its error
= 2

(3.27)

2 2 2 2
= 2 + 2 + 2 + 2

(3.28)

Notes

Present your results as = ( . . . ) 2

and = ( . . . ) . For , to get SI units it is enough to

express in meters, however for you will need to also express masses in kg .
Dont forget to write a meaningful discussion. If you run out of ideas, expand these topics:

How does your value of compare with the accepted value (9.81 2 )?

What could you do to increase the precision of your measurements? (which instrument to replace
or what procedure to follow)
Is the sign of correct? Explain.
How does this experiment compares with one where you would calculate from the time it takes
for an object for falling on the floor (think about your reaction time).
Is your measurement precise enough to find a variation of g of ~0.00005 m/s2 (like over a oil
deposit)?
Is friction part of the error in the measurement of ? Why?
What about air resistance? Is it a significant source of error? Why?
What is the effect the weight of the string? And of its elasticity?