Atwood's Machine

 

Students in Mr. Sievers Physics O'Phun classes used a classical device known as Atwood's Machine to explore the relationship of net force and acceleration. According to Newton's 2nd Law F=ma, where F is the net force acting on a system.  Students used a pulley, two masses, two meter sticks, a stopwatch and classical equations to measure and calculate the acceleration of a system of masses connected to the pulley by a single cord.  The students measured an experimental value of acceleration and calculated a theoretical value.  They compared these two values using percent error analysis.  The students were able to use classical equations that they discovered in class in a hands-on application.