Hang unequal masses from each end
of a string over a pulley. Monitor the motion with the
rotary motion sensor to determine the acceleration.
Compare with the predicted value.
NOTES
Hang the string over the larger
diameter pulley for the distance data to be accurate.
Position the coffee can to catch
the falling mass.
The pulley is light and has low
friction bearings, so rotational inertia and friction can be
ignored. A different pulley is available for
demonstrating a system in which its rotational inertia is not
negligible, or as a qualitative version to show the setup.
The results below were
obtained with 50 g on one side and 60 g on the other.
