Lab 6 Atwood Machine
Please note, you need to write a full lab report (objective, theory, procedure, data,
graphs, conclusion, and finally answer the question in the last page of the
original lab 6 handout).
Procedure:
You will be using the Atwood Machine Virtual Lab to complete this experiment. The
great thing about this lab is you may use any electronic device that can access the
Internet!
1. Go to the following website for the simulation:
http://www.tandftechnology.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/AtwoodLab/index.html
This lab will be completed twice. Once using a constant total mass (where the mass of
the system never changes). The second time the lab will be completed with a constant
mass difference (the mass of the system increases each trial).
Part A—Constant Total Mass
1. Since the Atwood’s machine apparatus is already set up, you won’t need to do
anything physical. That’s good as you wouldn’t want to drop any masses on your
foot. It might break your toe. That would be bad.
2. Start with 160 g on the left side (Mass 1) and 150 g on the right side (Mass 2). Use
the arrows to change the mass.
3. Record the two masses in the data table for this part.
4. Click the “Start” button to run the simulation.
5. Two graphs will be created at the bottom of the simulation. The first graph is a
position vs. time graph. The second graph of velocity vs. time is VERY useful. You
need to find two points on the graph and find the slope. Remember, the slope of the
graph is m/s2 (is this acceleration?).
6. Record the acceleration in the last column in your data table.
7. Reset the simulation by pressing the “Reset” button just above the apparatus on the
first page.
8. Move 5 g from Mass 2 to Mass 1. Record the new masses in the data table.
9. Repeat steps 4-8 until you have completed the table (can’t take any more data).
Part B—Constant Mass Difference
1. Reset the entire simulation.
2. Use 80 g on Mass 1 and 60 g on Mass 2.
3. Click the “Start” button to run the simulation.
4. Analyze the data as directed in step 5 of Part A.
5. Reset the simulation.
6. Add 20 g to BOTH sides this time. Record the new masses in the data table.
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 until you have filled the table (can’t take any more data).
Part A (Part B is on the NEXT tab)
Mass 1 (kg) Mass 2 (kg)
0.16
0.15
Total Mass
(kg)
Difference
in Mass
(kg)
Acceleration
(m/s^2)
Difference
in Mass
(kg)
Total Mass
(kg)
Acceleration
(m/s^2)
Part B
Mass 1 (kg) Mass 2 (kg)
0.08
0.06