Pre Lab
This week's labs will explore rotational motion, specifically rotational inertia (aka moment of inertia) and angular momentum. Recall that for all of the linear motion terms you used in studying kinematics, we have similar rotational counterparts.
Similarly, torque is the rotational counterpart to force in that applying a torque causes an angular acceleration (remember Newton's Second Law).
This extends to mass (rotational inertia or moment of inertia) and momentum (angular momentum). It is important to note that the moment of inertia of an object depends not just on how much mass it has, but also on where that mass is in relation to the rotation. In other words, rotational inertia depends on the shape of the rotating object. Ice skaters use this concept along with the concept of conservation of angular momentum to speed up their rotation on the ice by moving their arms. In the two labs this week we will 1) calculate and measure the moment of inertia of a disk and a ring and 2) test the conservation of angular momentum. |
A couple of good videos about rotational motion.
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Pre Lab Video
Simulation
Explore the simulation downloadable at the following link to see how different factors impact rotational inertia and angular momentum.
Simulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/torque
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Simulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/torque
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Lab
This week you will be completing theRotational Inertia (pg. 88) and Conservation of Angular Momentum (pg. 94) labs found your lab manual.
We will be using rotary motion sensors and hanging masses and the Capstone Software to explore rotational motion.
We will be using rotary motion sensors and hanging masses and the Capstone Software to explore rotational motion.
Post Lab
Please post a reflection on the lab experience on the Rotational Motion Lab Reflection discussion board on the course Blackboard site.
Be sure to include for both labs:
Be sure to include for both labs:
- What you did
- Why you did it
- Any interesting observations
- What you learned from doing the lab