Lab: Atwood Machine

Investigation
Total value: 10 points

Purpose
The purpose of this investigation is to find the value of the
acceleration due to gravity (g) using an Atwood machine.

Materials

 Retort stand
 Rod clamp
 C-clamp
 Two unequal masses (m1 > m2)
 Light string
 Pulley
 Stopwatch
 Meter stick

Procedure

Complete these steps and record your data in a table below.

1. Construct an Atwood machine on the edge of a table as shown in the diagram above.

2. Record the mass of m1 and m2.

3. Raise m1 so that it even with the top of the table as shown in the diagram.

4. Measure the distance between the bottom of m1 and the floor.

5. Release m1 and measure the time required for m1 to reach the floor.

6. Repeat steps 3–6 two more times.

Data
Create a table to record your data. (2 points)
Analysis
1. Find the average time for all three trials and record it. Show your calculation. (2 points)

2. Use the appropriate kinematic equation to find the acceleration of m1. Show your calculation. (2
points)

3. The acceleration of an Atwood machine can be found using the formula below. Calculate g using
this formula. Show your calculation. (2 points)

m 2−m 1
a=g ( m 1 +m 2 )

4. Calculate the percentage error for your experimental value of g using the equation below. Show
your calculation. (2 points)

|g experimental−g accepted|
Percentage error = × 100 %
gaccepted