Core Practical 9: Measuring Impulse

Dan Kimberley
18th October 2018

1 Preparation
1.1 Aim
To show that impulse is equal to force multiplied by time.

1.2 Underlying Physics

Derivation of equation used to calculate acceleration. In this case, a will be g:

mv
f = ma =
t
∆P
f= ∴ ∆P = F dt
∆t Z
∴ ∆P = F dt

This shows that the impulse is equal to area under a force-distance graph.
As the force is equal to the weight on the hanger:

Mv
mg =
t
g
∴ mt = v
M
Therefore the gradient of mt against v will be g/M.

References - Hibbeler, Russell C. (2010). Engineering Mechanics (12th ed.)

1.3 Prediction
I predict the the gradient will have a large uncertainty due to how many stages
can implement inaccuracies.

1
1.4 Diagram of Equipment
1.5 Explanation of Equipment
• Angled ramp - to compensate for friction

1.6 Method
• Setup equpiment as shown.

• Adjust ramp so it compensates for friction.

• Measure the total mass of the trolley, interrupt card, masses, and mass
hanger.
• Put 7 masses on the trolley and record the mass of the hanging mass. This
is the independent variable.
• Decide on a starting point for the trolley. This will be measured from the
centre of the card to the light gate, and will remain constant. Ensure this
distance is less than the distance from the hanging mass to the floor.
• Put the trolley on the starting point, the release the trolley while starting
the stopwatch. Stop the stopwatch when the middle of the interrupt card
is in the light gate.
• Catch the trolley to prevent damage to equipment.

2
 • Record the time on the stopwatch and the speed from the light gate.
• Repeat 3 times.
• Transfer a 10g mass from the trolley to the hanger, then repeat the pre-
vious four steps.

• Repeat until all masses have been moved.

1.7 Risk Assessment

Hazard Risk Precaution

Stand well away from where
Falling mass hanger Landing on foot
the mass hanger will fall
Masses on trolley may
Use bubble wrap to protect the
Falling masses fall off damaging the
floor where they will land
floor and feet.

1.8 Uncertainties

Uncertainty or Error Impact on Experiment How to mimimise

If too far from straight, Take time to ensure string
Path of trolley
velocity will be too high. is in line with the pulley.
If trolley is given initial
Release the hand holding
Initial velocity velocity, measured velocity
the trolley slowly.
will be too high.

2 Results
2.1 Table
2.2 Graph
2.3 Analysis
These results gave us a gradient of 0.065, so the inverse gradient is , therefore
giving us a value for g/M of 15.4. The result should be 22.4, which is 7N higher.

This unexpectedly low value could be result of several things. Firstly, it

could be a result of an overly stiff pully, causing the measured velocity to be too
low. It could also be a result of a non-straight path of movement of the trolley,
resulting in friction against the trolley, reducing the measured velocity.

3
MassT MassH t1 t2 t3 v1 v2 v3 Mean t Mean v
/kg /kg /s /s /s /ms-1 /ms-1 /ms-1 /s /ms-1
0.417 0.100 3.450 3.160 3.130 0.2617 0.2704 0.2695 3.247 0.267
0.407 0.200 2.110 2.180 2.190 0.4145 0.4322 0.4334 2.160 0.427
0.397 0.300 1.740 1.810 1.610 0.5588 0.5561 0.5614 1.720 0.559
0.387 0.400 1.450 1.390 1.420 0.6692 0.6683 0.6737 1.420 0.670
0.377 0.500 1.290 1.320 1.310 0.7468 0.7512 0.7720 1.307 0.757
0.367 0.600 1.170 1.200 1.200 0.8489 0.8469 0.8547 1.190 0.850
0.357 0.700 1.070 1.090 1.130 0.9306 0.9513 0.9555 1.097 0.946
0.347 0.800 0.970 0.990 1.020 1.0012 0.9846 1.0258 0.993 1.004

The constant value in the equation of 0.015 could be due to friction being
compensated for too much, resulting in an apparently uniform increase in all
the measured velocities.