Study Guide for Mechanics Lab Final

This study guide is provided to help you prepare for the lab final. The lab final consists of multiple-choice
questions, usually 2 for each unit, and 4 work-out problems that usually consist of multiple steps. The
questions and problems are taken from the pre-lab questions, some of the reading material from the lab
theory section, and from the work performed in the lab exercise.
There are sample questions and problems available in a separate file ( http://www.uta.edu/physics/labs/ ).
Using this review, you should be able to find the answers to those questions and problems.
You will also have an equation sheet provided during the test (also available on the website). You should
know how to use the equations on that sheet for solving problems, but you do not have to memorize those
equations.

Unit 1 – Uncertainties and Discrepancies in Measured Quantities

1. Be familiar with the standard deviation equation, and use it to determine the standard deviation for a set
of values. (See Appendix II)
2. Be able to combine uncertainties from different sources. (Appendix II)
3. Be able to use propagation of uncertainties to determine the uncertainty in calculated values, such as
volume or density. (Appendix II)
4. Know the difference between a best-fit line and a worst-fit line for plotted data. (Appendix II)
5. Know how to determine the uncertainty in slope and y-intercept from a graph. (Appendix II)

Review:

Uncertainties: What they are and where they come from

Unlike math, where 2 + 2 = 4, physics deals with values that are quantitative, not exact. Gravity, the speed of
sound or light, and any measured value are all quantitative and are prone to have some degree of inaccuracy
or uncertainty. Using such values in calculations would propagate the error to the result, giving the result a
degree of uncertainty as well. It is for us to determine where the uncertainties exist and the degree of
inaccuracy they give to the measured or calculated value.
In making length measurements, the accuracy of the measuring device is determined by the device itself and
the user making the measurements. A device marked off in divisions of millimeters (mm) is more accurate
than one marked off in divisions of centimeters (cm). One person may judge that they can accurately
determine down to one-quarter of a division, while another one can only determine to one-half a division.
The respected uncertainties of the two individuals would be ±0.25 division and ± 0.5 division.
In the scope of our labs, we set the uncertainty for a meter stick marked off in mm to be ± 0.5 mm.
Instrument uncertainty due to the user observations can be reduced by using a more accurate instrument,
such as the digital caliper. The instrument used in the lab can make accurate measurements of ± 0.01 cm or
0.1 mm.
Reducing uncertainties and combining uncertainties
One method to reduce uncertainties of measured values is to take numerous measurements under the same
conditions, then find the average and standard deviation from the average. Below is the formula for the
standard deviation.

Σ∆2
s. d. = �
n−1

Combining uncertainties
In this lab, you measured 5 trials of the length, width, and height of a wooden block using a digital caliper
and found the average and standard deviation for each. Now we have an uncertainty of the average (standard
deviation), but also the uncertainty of the digital caliper as well. The formula below is used to combine
uncertainties from different sources. In this case δsd is from the standard deviation and δdc is from the digital
caliper.

δ total = δ sd2 + δ dc2

Propagation of uncertainties in calculations

When using values that have an uncertainty in calculations, the resulting value also has some degree of
uncertainty. There are certain rules which can be followed to determine the uncertainty in this value.

For values of x ± δx and y ± δy

Addition or
Subtraction
δz = δx + δy
z = x + y or
z=x-y
Multiplication or
Division  δx δy 
δz = z + 
z = x*y or  x y
z = x/y
Powers, such as  δx δy 
δz = z 2 + 1 / 2 
z=x + y
2
 x y
Graphing data
One way to represent sets of data points is to graph them. A graph should be presentable and should convey
information on its own. To do this, certain guidelines should be followed.
1. Label the axis with the quantity and its units, with the x-axis containing the independent quantity.
The independent quantity is the quantity that is being controlled. If you are taking measurements of
velocity at fixed time intervals, the independent quantity (x-axis) is time and the dependent (y-axis) is
velocity.
2. Select a coordinate scale for each axis that will allow the data to cover most of the page but in such a
way that the data can be extracted by someone who has no knowledge of the original data. Also, keep
in mind what information will be extracted from the graph. Example: If the y-intercept is going to be
determined from the graph, the plot must contain zero on the x-axis. Also, keep the coordinate scale
linear (i.e., don't have the first major division a step of 0.3, then use subsequent major divisions in
steps of 0.1).
3. Title the graph as dependent variable vs. independent variable (e.g., “velocity vs. time”).
4. As you plot the data, represent each data point distinctly. If more than one set of data is to be
represented, you should make the data points for each data set a different symbol. A legend should be
included, with each symbol and what it represents. For example, you may plot a velocity vs. time
graph for two different vehicles, with a circle representing Car 1 and a square representing Car 2.
5. If your data has uncertainties, error bars in the direction of the uncertainty should be drawn to scale.
Example: If the measured velocity has an uncertainty of 0.2 m/s, a vertical line should be drawn
above and below the data point. The length of the line drawn depends on the scale of the graph and
the amount of uncertainty. The line should be capped off with a small horizontal line, making the
error bar look like a capital I.

Graphical analysis with uncertainties

Once data has been graphed, information can be extracted from the graph. In this lab, the slope of a straight
line fitted to the data and its y-intercept were to be determined.
A best-fit line is a straight line drawn through as many data points as possible, while also trying to keep an
equal amount of points which do not fit on the line, above and below the line. If the y-intercept is to be
found, the line needs to cross the y-axis at x = 0.
A worst-fit line is used to help determine the uncertainty in the slope and y-intercept of the plotted data. A
worst-fit line is drawn from the top of the error bar of the largest y-axis value to the bottom of the error bar
of the smallest y-axis value (see figure on the next page - the worst-fit line is the dashed line).
∆x and ∆y along with the drawn line form a triangle, to find the slope. The larger the triangle is, the more
accurate the value of the slope of the plotted line. The slope is determined by using (y2 - y1)/(x2- x1).
The y-intercept is read directly from the graph, where the line crosses the y-axis at x = 0.
The uncertainty in the slope of a plotted line can be found by finding the slope of the worst-fit line and then
subtracting it from the best-fit line.
slope = best-fit slope ± |best-fit slope – worst-fit slope|
y-intercept = best-fit y-intercept ± |best y-intercept -worst y-intercept|
Unit 2 - Newton's 2nd Law of Motion
1. If given a table like Table 1 in the lab, be able to use the information to determine the slope and y-
intercept using Equations 7 and 8 (least squares fit).
2. From a graph of W2 vs. acceleration, know what the slope and y-intercept represent.
3. Understand why this lab proved the validity of Newton’s 2nd Law.
4. Given information about a graph for W2 vs. acceleration, such as points on a best-fit line for an
accelerating cart, be able to determine the slope. Also, be able to use this information to determine the
mass of the cart.

Review:

"The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force applied to the object and
inversely proportional to the mass of the object."

In short, F = ma.

In this lab, you should have verified that as the force applied to the object increased, the acceleration
increased.

W2 = ma + Ff [4]

The mass (m) in Equation [4] is the total mass which is moving. In the context of the lab, this mass was the
hanging mass, plus the mass of the cart, plus the mass added to the cart. The force W2 is applied to the cart
by the hanging mass via the tension in the string. To increase this force, mass was moved from the cart to the
hanging mass, keeping the total mass constant.

The force applied to the cart, W2, was determined by multiplying the hanging mass and the acceleration of
gravity.

Graphical and mathematical analysis of data

Your data should have shown that as the applied force increased, the measured acceleration also increased.
The data table included preliminary calculations needed for the mathematical analysis of the data. By
plotting the data of force W2 vs. acceleration, a straight line could be fitted to the data and drawn through the
y-axis.

The straight line gave you a slope of ∆F / ∆a with units of N/(m/s2).

The units simplified to kg; therefore, the slope represented the total mass in motion or the total mass of the
system under observation.

We can relate this to the equation of a line: y = mx + b. From Equation [4], y is the applied force, W2. The
slope, m, is the total mass m, x is the acceleration, and the y-intercept, b, is the force of friction.
The data plotted in the graph can also be mathematically analyzed to find the slope and y-intercept. This
method is called a least squares fit for the data. The equations for the slope and y-intercept are shown below.

n �Σ�(a)(W2 )�� − (Σa)(ΣW2 )

slope =
n(Σa2 ) − (Σa)2

(ΣW2 )(Σa2 ) − (Σa)Σ�(a)(W2 )�

y − intercept =
n(Σa2 ) − (Σa)2

What the least square fit does is to take the data for the x and y coordinates and mathematically determine
the slope and y-intercept for the best-fit line to the data. A table similar to the one in Unit 2 Problem 1, in the
“Problems and Questions” document from the lab website (www.uta.edu/physics/labs/) would need to be
generated to perform the least squares fit using the equations above; each column is summed and then their
results entered into the equations for slope and y-intercept. However, for those of you with graphing
calculators, the linreg (linear regression) function performs the same task for any given set of (x, y) data.
When the computer determined the slope for the 20 data points of velocity vs. time to determine the
acceleration, this is the method it used.

Extracting information

The slope of the line gave you the total moving mass. The total mass included the unknown
mass of the cart and the known mass, the mass on cart and the hanging mass, which was used
to conduct the experiment. From this you were able to extract the mass of the cart and then
compare it to the actual measured value of the cart. Also, from the graph you can extract the y-
intercept. The y-intercept has units of newtons and therefore is a force; examining Equation [4]
relates it to the force of friction acting on the cart.
Unit 3 – Composition and Resolution of Forces

1. Know the difference between a resultant and an equilibrant.

2. Be able to graphically determine the equilibrant of a set of forces.
3. Know how to break a vector down into its x and y components.
4. Given a set of forces (e.g., 250@25°, 425@165°), be able to mathematically determine the magnitude
and direction of either the resultant or equilibrant.
5. Be familiar with Study Guide problems U3P1-U3P4. Be able to determine the unknown tensions.
6. Be familiar with Study Guide questions U3Q1-U3Q2. Know how to determine if a set of forces can
achieve a desired displacement.

Review:

Resultants and equilibrants

A number of different forces can act on a body, causing it to accelerate according to Newton's 2nd Law,
Σ F = ma. All of these forces can be replaced by a single force to create the same acceleration. This force is
called the resultant, where R = Σ F. The force R is the resultant.
If the lines of action all the forces acting on a body passes through a common point, there exists a force
which, when applied through this common point, creates a condition of equilibrium (a = 0). The force is
named the equilibrant, E.
In this lab, the strings were the lines of action passing through the center of the ring.
If R is the sum of all the forces acting on the body, then E = -R
R and E would each have the same magnitude, but E would be in the opposite direction of R (180° apart).

Graphical analysis of vector forces

One reason to graphically analyze vectors is to quickly get an idea of the magnitude and direction of a
resultant or equilibrant for a set of vectors.
One method to graphically analyze vectors is the tip-to-tail method. Each vector is drawn to scale in its
respected direction. The pictures below show vectors being added graphically using the tip-to-tail method.
The tail of the second vector is placed at the tip of the first, then the tail of the third at the tip of the second.
This method would continue until all vectors that are to be added have been placed. The equilibrant is a
vector which is drawn with its tail at the tip of the last vector and its tip at the tail of the first vector, thus
forming a complete polygon.
 V1
V3 V3 V3
V3 V2
V2 V2 V2
R E E
V1 V1 V1

A set of vectors Arranging the vectors by the tip-to-tail How the vectors are
V1=100@0° method. arranged will not affect the
V2=105@108° The resultant of these vectors is magnitude or direction of
V3=70@200° indicated in the left side panel and the the equilibrant or resultant.
equilibrant in the right side panel.

Mathematical analysis of vector forces

The graphical method requires accurate drawing and placement of the vectors to get accurate results
for the magnitude and direction. A more practical method to get accurate results when adding
vectors is mathematically. Each vector to be added is broken down in to its horizontal (x) and A A
y
vertical (y) components. Vector A has a magnitude of A and a direction of θ. The dashed lines Ax
in the figure show the x and y components of the vector A. To break the vector down into its
components, you can solve for the sides of the right triangle.
All angles are measured in reference to the + x-axis as 0°.
The three vectors in the above graphical example can be broken down as follows.
Vector Vx=Vcosθ Vy = Vsinθ Vx Vy
V1=100@0° V1x= 100cos0 V1y = 100sin0 100 0
V2=105@108° V1x= 105cos108 V1y = 105sin108 -32.45 99.86
V3=70@200° V1x= 70cos200 V1y = 70sin200 -65.79 -23.94
Resultant sum all Vx and sum all Vy Rx= 1.76 Ry = 75.92

 Ry 
The magnitude of the resultant R = R 2x + R 2y and the direction is θ = tan −1  
 Rx  II
90°
I
A few tidbits of caution when calculating the angle: if both Rx and Ry are negative, a (-,+) (+,+)
calculator will yield a result where the angle indicates it is in the 1st quadrant (i.e.
0°
between 0 and 90 degrees). Also, if Rx or Ry has a negative value, the calculator can 180°
yield a negative angle. So pay attention to the signs to help determine the quadrant III IV
the vector points into to aid in determining the correct angle for the vector. (-, -) (+,-)
270°
Remember, the equilibrant is of the same magnitude but opposite direction of the resultant.

Review of some problems and questions from the Study Guide

The figure for U3P3 (Unit 3, Problem 3) is shown to the left. T2

A free-body diagram for the forces is shown below it.
The tension T2 is broken down to its x and y components, T2x and T2y. T1
W
The body is at rest; therefore, the vector sums of the forces in the x and y
directions are equal to zero.
 T2x
Σ Fx = T1 – T2x = 0 and Σ Fy = T2y –W = 0
T
T2 θ2 2y
The angle θ2 is measured from the vertical. T1
W
If the angle, θ2, and weight, W, are given, and T1 and T2 are unknown,
to solve for T1 and T2, the equations shown above must be satisfied.

The tension T2 must be broken down into its x and y components using the simple right triangle.

cos θ2 = adj/hyp = T2y/T2 sin θ2 = opp/hyp = T2x/T2

Solving for T2x and T2y: T2 cos θ2 = T2y T2 sin θ2 = T2x

Now the equations for Fx and Fy becomes Σ Fx = T1 – T2 sin θ2 = 0 and Σ Fy = T2 cos θ2 –W = 0

Since both W and θ2 are known, T2 can easily be determined. Once T2 is known, it can be used to solve for
T1 in the equation for Fx.

A more complicated version of the problem (from U3P4 in the Study

Guide) is shown to the right, along with its free body diagram.
Now, both T1 and T2 have angles in respect to the horizontal and need to θ2
be broken down to their respective x and y components to facilitate a θ1
solution. W

Σ Fx = T1x – T2x = 0 and Σ Fy = T1y + T2y –W = 0

If T1 and T2 are unknown and the angles θ1, θ2 and W are given, to solve for T1 and T2,
T1x, T2x, T1y, and T2y will need to be found in terms of T1, with its respective angle θ1, T2y
and T2 with its respective angle θ2.
T2x T1y
T1x
Using the method shown in the first example and keeping in mind that the angles are W
given in respect to the horizontal, T1x, T2x, T1y, and T2y can be determined.
T1x = T1 cos θ1, T2x = T2 cos θ2, T1y = T1 sin θ1, T2y = T2 sin θ2

The equations Σ Fx = T1x – T2x = 0 and Σ Fy = T1y + T2y –W = 0 become:

Σ Fx = T1 cos θ1 – T2 cos θ2 = 0 and Σ Fy = T1 sin θ1 + T2 sin θ2 –W = 0

First using the equation for Fx solve for either T1 or T2 in terms of the other ie T1 = # T2
T1 cos θ1 = T2 cos θ2
T1 = (cos θ2 / cos θ1) T2
T1 = # T2

Then in the equation for Fy, substitute #T2 for T1, and solve for T2.
#T2 sin θ1 + T2 sin θ2 –W = 0
Once T2 is known, go back to T1 = #T2 and solve for T1.
Review of questions in the Study Guide

If you had a group of vectors and were free to orient them in any way you wished to achieve a given net
resultant, there is a simple way to test if the given group can achieve the desired net resultant.

For instances when the group contains more than two vectors and the desired net resultant is zero, take the
greatest value in the group and subtract the sum of the other values in the group.
If the result is greater than zero, then the group of vectors cannot achieve a net result of zero.
If the result is less than zero, then the members of the group can be positioned in such a way as to achieve a
net result of zero.

Below are two groups of vectors {2, 3, 4, 10} and {2, 3, 4, 8}; in each group, the lesser numbers have a sum
of 2 + 3 + 4 = 9
in the first group, 10 - 9 = 1 the second group, 8 - 9 = -1

4 3 2 4 3 2

10 8

4 3 2

In the first example, the shortest path back to zero falls short; in the second example, it exceeds zero, and the
vectors can be positioned in some manner to reach zero, as illustrated in the above diagram.

In the first example, the shortest path back to the origin cannot be achieved; therefore, those vectors cannot
be repositioned to reach zero, but they can be in the second example.

If there are only two vectors in the set, then setting up a boundary condition may be easier.
Say the desire resultant is R, and you have a set of two values {L, G}, where L is less than G.
Then set up this statement:
(G – L) ≤ R ≤ (G + L)

If this statement is true, then the resultant, R, can be achieved.

Unit 4 - Uniform Circular Motion
1. Be familiar with Equation [4] and its variants, [5] and [6]. Under the given conditions for Parts A, B,
and C, know which variable represents the slope, y-axis, and x-axis. Also, if given numerical values
for the variables, be able to determine the theoretical slope, with correct units.
2. Be familiar with the pattern of the velocity for the given conditions in parts A, B, and C. Know
whether the velocity should be increasing or decreasing as one variable is incrementally increased
while the other two remain constant.
3. Be familiar with centripetal acceleration and force.

Review:

An object undergoes uniform circular motion when it travels at a constant speed in a circular arc at a fixed
radius about a point. Even though it is traveling at a constant speed, there is a change in direction of the
motion as it travels through the circular arc, therefore acceleration is also occurring. This acceleration points
inward, toward the center of the circle, and is named centripetal acceleration. If the object has mass, there is
centripetal force acting on the object. When two objects of different masses are traveling about a circle with
a fixed radius at a constant speed, their centripetal acceleration are the same, yet the object with the larger
mass has greater centripetal force acting on it.

Sometimes, the origin of the centripetal force acting on the object is difficult to see. For this experiment, the
centripetal force was supplied by the spring connected to the shaft. For a car on a freeway turn, it is the force
of friction between the tires and the road. Gravitational force provides the centripetal force between Earth
and its satellites. In the Bohr atom, the electron is attracted to the proton(s) in the nucleus. These are a few
examples of what force provides the centripetal force on an object.

Confirming theoretical expectations through experimentation results

Theory shows that Fc = m(v2/r)
2
Solving for v we find that v2 = (rFc/m)
This is a linear equation of the form y = mx + b, where the y-intercept passes through the origin.
In order to determine the velocity of the mass undergoing uniform circular motion, the period of rotation is
measured, then divided by the radius of rotation.

To experimentally prove that the equation is linear, it should obey the fundamental equation y = mx + b.
In this case, the y-intercept will pass through the origin. The term y is represented by v2 and the variables mx
by (rFc/m). By varying one of the variables in the term (rFc/m), the varied variable would represent the x
variable in mx and the remaining two the slope, m. The following table gives an account of the relationships
for each case of the varied variable.

Original The fixed The varied The trend of velocity

equation variables variable as the varied variable increases
(slope of line) (x value)
(rFc/m) Fc /m r increases
(rFc/m) r /m Fc increases
(rFc/m) rFc m decreases
Unit 5 - Projectile Motion and the Ballistic Pendulum

1. Be able to determine how long a projectile would be in flight if dropped from a given height.
2. Be able to determine the initial velocity of a projectile when given the necessary information using
either the ballistic pendulum method or the ranging method.
3. Having been given or having determined the velocity of a projectile fired horizontally, be able to
determine the range the projectile will travel from an angle above the horizontal and a height above
the ground.

Review:

Determining the initial velocity of the projectile using conservation of momentum and energy

l
h

The figures above are illustrations of a projectile being fired into a ballistic pendulum. The projectile has a
mass, m, and is fired with an initial velocity of vo. This gives the projectile an initial momentum of mvo. As
it is caught by the pendulum with mass M, it imparts its momentum to the pendulum. Since momentum is
conserved and the pendulum and projectile now move as one, its momentum is defined as (m+M)V, where V
is the velocity of the pendulum-ball combination. Since momentum is conserved, the equation below
represents the conservation of momentum for this system.

mvo = (m+M)V

The pendulum and ball combination has a center of gravity at which the mass is concentrated, and it is free to
rotate about a point near the top of the pendulum. The pendulum-ball combination has an initial velocity, V,
with a kinetic energy of KE = ½ (m+M)V2. As the pendulum-ball starts to rise, it loses kinetic energy and
gains potential energy. As the center of gravity of the pendulum-ball reaches a maximum height, h, it
momentarily comes to rest. The energy is now all potential energy and is PE = (m+M)gh. Since energy is
conserved, the initial kinetic energy equals the maximum potential energy, so ½ (m+M)V2 = (m+M)gh.
The pendulum is initially at rest and has a length, l, which is the distance from the pivot point to the center
of gravity. As the pendulum rises, an angle forms between the vertical and the pendulum. At the maximum
height, the angle which is formed can be used to determine the height the pendulum rose to from its initial
resting position, such that h = l – l cos θ.

During the experiment, the masses and length, l, were measured, and the angle, θ, was determined
experimentally. From these known quantities, the initial velocity of the pendulum-ball, V, could be
determined using conservation of energy. Then, using conservation of momentum, the velocity of the
projectile could be determined.

Determining initial velocity using the range method

The range method is more straightforward than the previous method. The projectile is fired horizontally
from a height h. Once it leaves the mechanism, it starts to fall according to the kinematics equation
y = yo + voyt + ½ gt2.
The initial velocity in the y direction, voy, is zero. If you assign the variable y to be y = 0 at the ground and
yo = h at the launch point, the kinematics equation now becomes 0 = h – ½ gt2 when the projectile hits the
ground. Solving for t yields
2h
t= , where t is the time of flight for the projectile.
g

When the projectile is fired numerous times from the same position, an average horizontal range the
projectile traveled during its flight, R, can be determined. The range divided by the time will result in the
velocity of the ball, vo = R/t.

Determining the range of a projectile fired at angles other than the horizontal.

voy vo
vox
θ

h
R

The picture depicts a projectile being fired at an angle θ above the horizontal. When the projectile leaves the
mechanism, it has a velocity, v, at an angle, θ. The velocity has a horizontal and a vertical component, vox
and voy, respectively. The velocity vox remains constant throughout the travel of the projectile. The velocity
voy changes during its travel; first, decreasing until the maximum height is obtained, where it is momentarily
zero, then increasing as it falls to the ground. The path the projectile travels is parabolic.

The initial values for vox and voy are determined using
vox = v cos θ and voy = v sin θ

To determine the range, R, of the projectile, the time of flight needs to be determined.
Unlike the range method used previously, the projectile now has an initial velocity in the vertical direction,
so the equation t = 2h g cannot be used. The kinematics equation y = yo + voyt + ½ gt2 is still the basis
used, but now instead of voy being zero, it is v sin θ. Substituting the variables into the equation yields
0 = h + (v sinθ) t - ½ gt2.
This equation is a binomial in the form of 0 = c + bx + ax2, and it can be solved using the quadratic equation.

−b ± √b 2 − 4ac −v sinθ ± �(v sin θ)2 − 4(−g⁄s)h

x= yields t =
2a 2(−g⁄s)

The equation has both a positive and a negative answer for time. Using the positive value and the horizontal
velocity, vox, the range can be determined to be R = (v cos θ)t.
Unit 6 - Rotational Equilibrium and Center of Gravity

1. When a mass is placed on the x- or y-axis, be able to determine in what axis the torque is produced.
2. If given a mass at coordinates (x, 0) or (0, y), be able to conceptually determine where a 2nd mass
(either x times heavier or lighter) would need to be placed to achieve equilibrium.
3. Know the definition for center of gravity as it applies in this lab.
4. If given a group of masses placed on a balance table, be able to determine the center of gravity for
this group. Also, be able to determine where a single mass, equal to the combined total of masses in
the group, would need to be placed to achieve equilibrium.
5. Be able to determine the total torque produced about an axis.

Review:

Torque is a product of displacement and force. The units used in the lab and the calculation of the torque
were modified slightly to prevent the necessity to make numerous conversions to determine a precise value
for the torque. To accomplish this, the following modifications were made:

1) Force would be the weight of a mass, since weight is a product of mass and gravity. Since gravity is
essential the same within the confines of the experiment, it was omitted. Therefore, the torque in the
experiment was a product of the displacement and the mass.
2) The balance table had holes drilled into it 1 inch apart. To reduce making numerous conversions for
displacement, it was decided for the scope of the lab to leave the units unchanged and allow the units of
torque to be in gram-inches.

A mass placed directly upon the +x-axis of a balance table produces a force perpendicular to the x-axis in
the –z direction. This causes the table to tilt downward or rotate about the y-axis.

A right hand rule can be used to quickly determine the direction of torque in this
lab. Your index (pointer) finger represents the direction of displacement. Your
middle finger represents the direction of the applied force. Lastly your thumb
represents the direction of the torque. Displacement, force, and torque are
perpendicular to each other. Position your thumb and the two fingers so that
they create a corner of a cube. Point the index finger in the direction of
displacement; rotate your wrist so that the middle finger points in the direction
of the force. The thumb should now point in the direction of the torque.
For the balance table, the x- and y-axis are in the horizontal plane and the z-axis
in the vertical, so generally, the middle finger, which represents force, would be
pointing in the downward direction.

The mass placed on the +x-axis produces a + torque about the y-axis. Another mass place on the –x-axis
would produce a – torque, also about the y-axis. The sum of the torques would be the net torque about the y-
axis. When the sum of the torques is equal to zero, then the system is in equilibrium.

Σ Ly = m1x1 + m2x2 + … + mnxn

Center of gravity for a system of masses
An extended body can be made up of numerous masses, as shown in the picture
to the left. The total gravitational effect of the extended body is made up of the
sum of the gravitational effect of each individual mass making up the extended
body. The center of gravity of the extend body of masses is a point where the
accumulative torque of each mass can be replaced by a single mass equal to the
sum of the masses and still produce the same net torque. The coordinates for the placement of the single
mass can be determined by the following equations.
Σw i x i Σm i x i m 1 x 1 + m 2 x 2 + m 3 x 3 +  + m n x n
X c .g . = =
Σw i mi m1 + m 2 + m 3 +  + m n

Σw i y i Σm i y i m 1 y 1 + m 2 y 2 + m 3 y 3 +  + m n y n
Yc.g. = =
Σw i mi m1 + m 2 + m 3 +  + m n
The weights, wi, were factored down to only the masses, mi, because gravity is a constant.

To achieve equilibrium for the system of masses, a single mass equal to the sum of all the masses can be
placed at a point opposite in sign to the center of gravity for the system of masses. For example, if a system
of masses has a center of gravity at (-2, 5), then a single mass equal to the sum of the masses placed at (2, -5)
would bring the system into equilibrium.

Center of gravity for an irregularly-shaped object

A rigid, irregularly-shaped object has a point within it where its center of gravity (center of mass) is located.
This point can be experimentally found by placing it within a quadrant of a balance table. The center of
gravity of the irregularly-shaped object now would be concentrated at a point and have an x and y position
on the table. If the table is brought into equilibrium by using two known masses positioned along the x- and
y-axis, the center of gravity for the system of masses would be located at the origin (0, 0).

Therefore, xcg = 0 = m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3 and ycg = 0 = m1y1 + m2y2 + m3y3.
If m3 is the irregularly-shaped object, and the positions and mass for m1 and m2 are determined, then the
position at which the center of gravity for the irregularly-shaped object can be found.

For example, a 150 gram object is placed on the table. Two 100 gram masses are positioned so that
equilibrium is achieved, and their positions are at (3.25, 0) and (0, 2.5). Then:

100(3.25) + 100(0) = - 150(x3) and 100(0) + 100(2.5) = - 150(y3)

325 = -150 x3 250 = -150 y3
-2.16 = x3 - 1.67 = y3
Unit 7 - Hooke’s Law and Simple Harmonic Motion

1. From a force vs. displacement graph for a stretched spring, know how to determine the spring
constant.
2. Know what the area under this graph represents.
3. Be familiar with the comparison of the work required to stretch a spring and the work required to
restore the spring back to its original position, and the same for a rubber band.
4. Be able to determine the spring constant for a spring when given the period of a mass undergoing
simple harmonic motion. Also, be able to determine the frequency of this motion.
5. Know how the mass affects the period and how the distance the spring is stretched affects the period.
6. Be able to do energy calculations (PE, KE, TE) for a spring-mass undergoing SHM, when given the
necessary data.

Review:

What is Hooke’s Law?

Not all materials that can be stretched or compressed obey Hooke’s Law. When a material is clamped on
one end and a force is applied at the other end, to either stretch or compress it, if the distance the material
stretches or compresses is directly proportional to the applied force, this material obeys Hooke’s Law.
The fundamental equation for Hooke’s Law is F = -kx, where k is the spring constant of the material and x is
the distance the material is compressed or stretched. The negative sign indicates that the force is in the
opposite direction of the applied force.

What information can be obtained from a force vs. displacement graph for a stretched spring?
The picture to the right shows a typical force vs. displacement graph for a spring
F
and can be used to extract information about the spring. O
The slope of the slanted line is the spring constant, k, with units of N/m. R
The shaded area under the curve is the work to stretch the spring, with units of C
E
joules, J. (N)
Also, if it obeys Hooke’s Law, the amount of work to stretch the spring will equal displacement (m)
the amount of work to restore the spring to its original position.

Not all items that can be stretched obey Hooke’s Law.

The dark line in both pictures is obtained when the material is Rubber
Spring stretched, and the gray line is obtained when the material is Band
restored to its original position.
In the spring, there is no loss of energy; therefore, the two curves
are on top of one another.
For the rubber band, there is some energy loss. The area of the
gap between the two curves is the amount of energy lost. Heat is one contributing factor to the loss of
energy.
Simple harmonic motion

The picture to the right represents an object undergoing A

simple harmonic motion. The lighter line is the
displacement of the object from its equilibrium point, E,
and the darker line is the velocity of the object. When E
the object is displaced a distance -A from its equilibrium
position and released, it will begin to accelerate towards
the equilibrium position, because the force from the
spring tries to restore itself to equilibrium. The -A
acceleration of the object is a = kx/m, where x is the
distance the object is from its equilibrium. So as x
approaches zero, so too does the acceleration. However, when the object is at the equilibrium position, its
velocity is now at its maximum, and after it passes thru, it begins to decelerate so that a = - kx/m, until it
reaches the +A position, where it momentarily comes to rest. It then starts back toward the equilibrium
position, passing thru it towards the -A position. This process will continue until it is stopped by outside
forces.

The period of the oscillation for the simple harmonic motion can be calculated from the equation
m
T = 2π
k
where k is the spring constant and m is the mass of the object.
If any two of the variables are known, then the third can be determined.

Energies within a spring

A spring obeys the law of conservation of energy. When the mass is attached to the spring and is displaced a
distance A, the total energy in the spring is potential energy and is calculated using TE = PE = ½kA2. After
the spring is released, at the moment it passes through the equilibrium position, the total energy is kinetic and
can be determined by TE = KE = ½mv2.
Since energy is conserved, KE (max.) = PE (max.). At any position between the equilibrium and one of its
maximums, the total energy in the spring is partially kinetic and partially potential.
Therefore, TE = KE + PE = ½ mv2 + ½ kx2, where x and v are the position and the velocity of the object at
any given position.
Unit 8 – Archimedes’ Principle

1. Be familiar with Equation [6] and manipulating it to solve for the density of an unknown material or
liquid.
2. Be able to determine the density of a material when given its mass and dimensions (Eq. [1]).
3. Be able to determine the volume of an irregularly-shaped object, given its measured weight in air and
in a known liquid.

Review:

[see the lab, to review]

Unit 9 – Speed of Sound in Air and Metal

1. If given the frequency and distance between anti-nodes (maximums) or nodes (minimums), be able to
determine the measured speed of sound.
2. Be able to determine the theoretical speed of sound at a given temperature.
3. If given the dimensions of a metal rod or bar and its mass, be able to determine its density and the
expected speed of sound through the metal when given the Young’s Modulus for the material. Also,
be able to determine the speed of sound when given the length of the bar/rod and the frequency of the
fundamental it produces while clamped in its center and struck longitudinally.
4. Know what happens to the distance between the nodes or antinodes in air as the frequency of sound
increases or decreases.
5. Know how the speed of sound for the metal used in this experiment compares to the speed of sound
in air.

Review:

Node and anti-nodes

node

anti-node
A node is where two standing waves come together and are at their minimum amplitude. An anti-node is
where the two standing waves are each at their maximum amplitude.
The above diagram depicts the resonance tube used in the experiment. The speaker and microphone are
located on the left side at a fixed point. As the plunger is moved to the right, nodes and anti-nodes are
formed. An anti-node is formed at the microphone when a node is formed at the plunger

Speed of sound in air

Between each anti-node there is a distance of λ/2. To determine the speed of sound in air, a known frequency
is used. Frequency has units of hertz (1/seconds), and by multiplying it by the measured wavelength, λ, the
speed of sound in air is determined: v = λf.

The speed of sound can be determined theoretically from the equation v = vo + (0.6m/sec °C)*T, where vo =
331.7 m/s and T is the temperature in centigrade.

Speed of sound in metal

The same principles can be used to determine the speed of sound in metal. Clamping a metal bar at the
middle of its length and then rapping the bar on its end will send a longitudinal wave through the bar. This
will create a node at the clamp section and anti-nodes on each end. The wavelength, λ, for the sound
traveling through the bar, will be twice the bar’s length. In this lab, the frequency was measured using the
computer to give you the Fast Fourier Transform of the sound collected by a microphone. The product of the
measured frequency and the wavelength will yield the speed of sound in the metal: vm = λf.

The speed of sound in the metal can be determined theoretically by first determining the volume, V, and
mass, m, of the bar and then finding the density of the metal: ρ = m/V. Each material has a value called
Young's Modulus, which is denoted by the letter Y in this equation:

Y
vm =
ρ