Activity 9

PS-2826

Forces in EquilibriumA Lab Practical

Mechanics: static equilibrium, force components, free-body diagram, vectors, Qty 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.5 m Equipment and Materials PASPORT Xplorer GLX PASPORT Force Sensor 1.2 m PASCO Track GOcar Large Base and Support Rod Universal Table Clamp Rod, 45 cm Angle Indicator Braided Physics String Part Number PS-2002 PS-2104 ME-6951 ME-9355 ME-9376B ME-8736 ME-9495 SE-8050

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to determine the mass of an object that is in static equilibrium.

Background
If an object is at rest and the net force on the object is zero, the object is in static equilibrium. An example of static equilibrium is an object at rest on a tabletop. The normal force of the tabletop balances the force of gravity pulling downward on the object. An object placed on a frictionless inclined plane would accelerate down the plane due to the component of the gravitational force that is parallel to the surface of the plane. The magnitude of the force depends on the mass of the object and the angle of the inclined plane. If the object is motionless on the inclined plane because of the tension in a string, the tension equals the magnitude of the force that is parallel to the surface of the plane. This force is mg sin .
Fig. 1: Object on incline

Safety Precautions
Follow all directions for using the equipment.

Preview
Use a Force Sensor to measure the tension in a string attached to the cart that is at rest on an inclined track. Use the Xplorer GLX to record and display the tension. Use the tension and the angle of the track to determine the mass of the cart.

Procedure
GLX Setup 1. Connect the Force Sensor to a sensor port on the top of the GLX. Turn on the GLX ( ).
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2.

The Graph screen opens with a graph of force versus time. Set up the Force Sensor so it sends a positive signal for a pull. Press to go to the Home Screen. Press F4 ( ) to open the Sensors screen. Use the arrow cursor keys to select Force, push positive. Press Activate ( ) to change the selection from Visible to Not Visible. Move down to Force, pull positive. Press to change the selection from Not Visible to Visible. Press to return to the Home Screen. Open a Digits display. In the Home Screen, select the Digits icon and press to activate your choice.

Fig. 2: Force, pull positive

3.

Equipment Setup

Fig. 3: Equipment setup

Arrange the track, cart, sensor, and angle indicator as shown in the figure. Record Data 1. 2. 3. 4. With NO tension on the string, press the ZERO button on the top of the Force Sensor to zero the sensor. Record the angle of the track. Press Start ( ) to start recording data. Record the force from the Digits display. to stop recording.

After you record your data, press

Calculate the mass of the cart and answer the questions in the Lab Report section.

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Lab Report Activity 9: Forces in Equilibrium Name ________________________________ Date ___________ Data
Sketch a free-body diagram of the forces on the cart. Label the vectors in your diagram.

Data
Item Tension (N) Angle of track Value

Calculations Use your data for the force in the string (tension) and the angle of the track to determine the mass of the cart. Show all of your work.

Item Calculated mass (kg

Value

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Conclusion
After you have calculated your value for the mass of the cart, find the actual mass of the cart from your instructor (or use a balance to measure the mass of the cart). Determine the percent difference between your calculated mass and the actual mass.
Item Calculated mass (kg Actual mass (kg) Percent difference Value

%diff =

calculated ! actual " 100 actual

Questions
1. How did you account for the friction? Explain.

2.

How close was your calculated mass to the actual mass?

3.

What factors might contribute to the difference between your calculated value and the actual mass of the cart?

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