Experiment 1

Measurement: Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper

PROCEDURE:

1. Study the vernier caliper. Check for zero correction.

2. Study the micrometer caliper. Check if any zero correction is necessary.
3. Measure the dimensions of the regularly shaped objects. Use the Vernier caliper for large dimensions
and micrometer caliper for small dimensions. Take at least three readings for each dimension.
4. By weighing the objects using the beam balance, get the theoretical mass.
5. The density of the following substances in g/cm3 are:
Aluminum = 2.7; Brass = 8.5; Copper = 8.89; Steel = 7.8; Iron (wrought) = 7.85
6. Compute for the theoretical volume of each object using:

7. Compute for the experimental volume of each object using:

QUESTIONS:
1. Why are several trials taken for each measurement?
2. What is the smallest part of a mm that can be estimated using the Vernier Caliper? Micrometer Caliper?
3. Why is the micrometer caliper used instead of the vernier caliper in measuring diameter?
4. Given the data for the various vernier and main scales, determine the indicated readings of each caliper:

Vernier No. Total No. of Reading on Main Scale No. of the Indicated
Vernier Just before Just after Vernier Reading
Divisions Vernier Zero Vernier Zero Divisions
Coinciding with
a Main Scale
Division
A 10 23 mm 24 mm 8.6
B 15 3.5 in 3.6 in 6
C 25 5.2 in 5.225 in 14
D 50 17.35 cm 17.40 cm 24
Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 1: Measurement: Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper

DATA AND RESULTS

Cube Sphere Cylinder Disc

Outer Inner
Side Diameter Diameter Height Height
TRIAL diameter diameter
(s) (d) (d) (h) (h)
(do) (din)

II

III

Mean Value
(cm)

Mass (g)

Density
(g/ cm3 )

Volume, vexpt
(cm3)

Volume, vtheo
(cm3)

Percent Error
 Experiment 2

Force Vectors: Graphical and Analytical Methods

PROCEDURE: Each group is assigned a set of three forces.

1. Record the magnitude and direction of the three given forces.

2. Attach two pulleys at given angles to the rim of the disk of the force table.
3. Use strings to connect two hangers passing over the two pulleys to the metal ring at the center of the
force table. Hang over the first pulley mass equal in magnitude to the first force. Similarly suspend,
mass over the second pulley to represent the second given force.
4. Determine the resultant of the two forces using the graphical method. Then use this value to predict
the resultant using the experimental method.
5. Attach a third pulley and clamp to the rim of the disk of the force table. Suspend over it mass equal
in magnitude to the resultant obtained in (4) but in opposite direction.
6. Pull the string slightly to one side and check if the ring returns to the center. If not adjust the mass
and/ or angle of the third pulley until the ring returns to the center.
7. Record the mass and angle of the third pulley needed to put the system into equilibrium (E1).
8. Attach three pulleys to the rim of the disk of the force table. Hang the masses corresponding to the
three given forces over the pulleys.
9. Determine the resultant of the three forces using analytical method.
10. Attach a fourth pulley and suspend over it mass equal in magnitude to the resultant in (9) but again
in opposite direction. Test for equilibrium as in (6). Record the mass and angle for the fourth pulley
(E2).

QUESTIONS:
1. Explain how the force table can be used to demonstrate the addition of vectors using the principle of
equilibrium.
2. In the experimental method, how do you know if the system is in equilibrium?
3. What is equilibrant force? Resultant force?
4. Compare the resultants obtained using the three methods. Did any method give you a resultant
significantly from the other two?
Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 2: Force Vectors: Graphical and Analytical Methods

DATA AND RESULTS

Experimental Method (Force Table)

Force Magnitude Direction

F1
F2
Equilibrant E1
Resultant R1

Force Magnitude Direction

F1
F2
F3
Equilibrant E2
Resultant R2

Graphical Method

Parallelogram Method Polygon Method

Magnitude Direction Magnitude Direction
Equilibrant E1
Resultant R1
Equilibrant E2
Resultant R2

Analytical Method

Force Magnitude Direction

F1
F2
F3
Equilibrant E2
Resultant R2
 Experiment 3A

ACCELERATION DOWN AN INCLINE

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)
PROCEDURE:

1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface to the computer using USB cable. Turn on the interface,
and turn on the computer.
2. Connect the Acceleration Sensor’s plug to Analog Channel A on the interface.
3. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop. Double-click “Open Activity” in
Welcome to Data Studio Pop-Up Menu (or under File Menu, click “Open Activity”). Double-click
“Physics.” Double-click “PO3 Acceleration.”
4. Close the “Acceleration Workbook” window by clicking the “X” button.
5. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Acceleration Sensor is already connected to Analog
Channel A. Otherwise, click the “Acceleration Sensor” icon and drag it to Analog Channel A of the
Science Workshop Interface. Then, click the minimize button of “Experiment Set-up” window.
6. To mount the Acceleration Sensor into the cart, do the following:
a. Use the large thumbscrew to attach the “short” leg of the bracket to the sensor.
b. Use the small thumbscrew and attach the “long” leg of the bracket to a threaded hole on
the top of the cart.
7. Use the base and support rod to raise the end of the track without an end-stop so that it is 25 cm
higher than its position when level.
8. Mount the angle indicator onto the raised end of the track.
9. Use chalk to mark the starting point of the cart release during data recording.

Data Recording
10. Determine the angle of the track (use the angle indicator or measure the height and length of the
track, then calculate the sine of the angle).
11. Put the cart at the starting point on the inclined track. Press the “TARE” button on the sensor to zero
the sensor.
12. Start recording data by clicking the “START” button (it changes to “STOP”) and then release the
cart so it moves down the track.
13. Catch the cart when it reaches the end of the track and stop recording the data by clicking them
“STOP” button.
14. Lower the raised end of the track by 5 cm.
15. Repeat the procedure at the new height.
16. Continue to repeat the procedure until the raised end is at 10 cm.
17. Record the acceleration and angle (theta) for each run. Solve for the acceleration due to gravity
using
g=

18. Click the table for acceleration and sine (theta). Enter the values of sine (theta) and the
corresponding values of acceleration on the table.
19. Click the acceleration vs. sine (theta) graph. Click Fit, then, select Linear Fit. Record the slope as
the graphical value of gravitational acceleration.
20. Solve for the % error using:
 % error =

Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____

Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 3A: ACCELERATION DOWN AN INCLINE

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

DATA AND RESULTS

Table 1

Gravitational
Run Height Angle Acceleration Acceleration %
(cm) (degrees) (cm/s2) (cm/s2) Difference

4
 Experiment 3B

UNIFORM ACCELERATION ON AN INCLINED PLANE

PROCEDURE:

1. Connect the Angle Indicator on the wire along the side of the Linear Air Track.
2. Adjust the screw on the foot of the Linear Air Track so that the Angle Indicator reads 0o.
3. Attach the blower to the elevated end of the Linear Air Track, then, put the switch ON.
4. Use books to raise one end of the Linear Air Track until the Angle Indicator reads 3o. Place the cart
on the Linear Air Track and take note of its starting position. Hold the cart at that position. From that
starting position mark a distance, S1, that is 60 cm away from it, and another point, S2, that is 120 cm
away from it.
5. Release the cart, at the same time start the two timers. When the cart passes the 1 st point, marked as
S1, stop the first timer, and record the time as t 1, in Table 1. When the cart passes the second point,
marked as S2, stop the second timer, then, record the time as t2, Table 1.
6. Solve for the experimental value of acceleration using the formula:

7. Solve for the acceleration using Newton’s second Law, simplified as:

Where = the angle of inclination as measured by the Angle indicator

8. Find the percentage difference between the experimental value of acceleration and the computed
value of the acceleration using Newton’s Second Law.
9. Repeat the procedure above for Table 2, with the angle of inclination increased to 6o.

QUESTIONS:
1. Define acceleration.
2. When can one say that a body is moving with uniformly accelerated motion?
3. What is the effect of increasing the height of the track on the acceleration of the object?
4. If the mass of the cart is increased, how would this affect the measured acceleration?
Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 3B: UNIFORM ACCELERATION ON AN INCLINED PLANE

DATA AND RESULTS

Table 1:

Angle of Inclination = 3o .

S (cm) t (sec) Aexperimental (cm/s2) Atheoretical (cm/s2) % Difference

60

120

Table 2:

Angle of Inclination = 6o .

S (cm) t (sec) Aexperimental (cm/s2) Atheoretical (cm/s2) % Difference

60

120
 Experiment 4

MOTION OF A PROJECTILE
(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

PROCEDURE:

1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface to the computer using USB cable. Turn on the interface,
and turn on the computer.
2. Connect the phone plug of the Photogate near the Projectile Launcher to Digital Channel 1 and the
Time-of-Flight Accessory’s phone plug to Digital Channel 2 on the interface.
3. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop.
4. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Photogate is already connected to Digital Channels 1 and
the Time-of-Flight Accessory to Digital Channel 2. Otherwise, click the “Photogate” icon and drag it
to Digital Channel 1 and the “Time of Flight” ICON TO Digital Channel 2 of the Science Workshop
Interface.
5. Click the “Timer” button. Set the timer for the Photogate to “Blocked” and the Time-of-Flight
Accessory to “On.” Then, click the minimize button of “Experiment Set-up” window.
6. Connect the Projectile Launcher horizontally to the Ballistic Pendulum stand, with launcher aimed
away from the table.
7. Attach the Photogate Mounting Bracket to the launcher and attach the Photogate to the bracket.
Position the Photogate just after the end of the launcher.
8. Practice positioning the ball, so that you will know where to place the timer plate on the floor. Put
the plastic ball into the Projectile launcher, then, cock it to the short range position. Put the timer
plate on the floor where the ball hits.
9. Double-click the “Graph” menu on the Displays window. “Please Choose a Data Source” window
will appear.
Double-click “Time of Flight.”
Double-click “Graph” window again.
Double-click “Velocity Between Any Gates.”(Three window graphs will be displayed on the screen)
10. Prepare for shooting the ball. Click the “START” button. Shoot the ball. Upon hitting the timer
plate, click the “STOP” button.
11. Record the time of flight, in seconds in the Data Table.
12. Measure the horizontal distance, x, from the point where the ball passes through the Photogate up to
the point where it hits the timer plate.
13. Measure also the vertical distance from the floor to the point where the ball blocks the Photogate
beam.

14. Compute the time of flight using:

Where h = vertical distance, m

g = 9.8 m/s2
 15. Compute the velocity of projection using:

16. Record this computed value of time on the Data Table. Solve for percent difference between the
measured time and the computed time and record it on the Data Table.
17. Set the angle of the launcher to 30o and shoot the ball again. Move the timer plate to the new landing
position so that the ball will hit it. Shoot again and record the time of flight in the Data Table under
Trial 2.
18. Repeat the above procedure with the angle of the launcher set to 60o.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is projectile motion?
2. Give the factors affecting the horizontal displacement or range of a projectile?
3. From the edge of the top of a building, a man throws a stone at an angle of 30° with respect to the
horizontal and at an initial speed of 20 m/s. If the height of the building is 50 m,
a) How long is the stone in flight? b) how far from the base of the building will the stone hit the
ground?
Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 4: MOTION OF A PROJECTILE

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

DATA AND RESULTS

Horizontal Vertical Measured Velocity Computed

%
Trial Angle Distance Distance Time (s) Time (s)
(m) (m) Difference

1 0o

2 30o

3 60o
 Experiment 5A

ATWOOD’S MACHINE
(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

PROCEDURE:

1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface to the computer using USB cable. Turn on the interface,
and turn on the computer.
2. Connect the Photogate’s phone plug to Digital Channel 1 on the interface.
3. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop. Double-click “Open Activity” in
Welcome to Data Studio Pop-Up Menu (or under File Menu, click “Open Activity”). Double-click
“Physics.” Double-click “P10 Atwood’s.”
4. Close the “Atwood’s Machine Workbook” by clicking the “X” button.
5. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Smart Pulley is already connected to Digital Channel 1.
Otherwise, click the “Smart Pulley” icon and drag it to Digital Channel 1 of the Science Workshop
Interface. Then, click the Minimize button of “Experiment Set-up” window.
6. To mount the Photogate/pulley to the Atwood’s Machine stand, do the following:
a. Attach the pulley to the tab of the Photogate using the pulley mounting rod.
b. Place the Photogate/pulley in the clamp and mount the rod horizontally.
7. Use a piece of string about 10 cm longer than the distance from the top of the pulley to the floor.
8. Fasten mass hangers to each end of the string, with the string passing over the pulley attached to the
Photogate. See to it that when one mass hanger is 1 cm above the floor, the other mass hanger is
about 3 cm below the center of the pulley.
9. Refer to Table 1 for the masses of M1 and M2 to be used in this experiment. Be sure to include the
mass of the hanger (which is 5 grams) in the total mass. For example, for M 1 of 65 grams, it should
be 3 pieces of 20 grams mass plus 5 grams mass of the hanger.
10. Place M2 just above the floor and M1 just below the pulley. Hold the string (or hold either M1 or M2)
to prevent their motion. Turn the pulley so that the Photogate beam is unblocked (the red light-
emitting diode (LED) on the Photogate does not light).

DATA RECORDING – CONSTANT TOTAL MASS

11. Release M1 and let it fall, at the same time click START button to start recording data. (START
button changes to STOP button).
12. Click STOP button just before M2 hits the pulley. (Do not let the upward moving M2 hit the pulley).
13. Select or highlight the linear portion of the curve by clicking the start position of the curve and drag
up to the end position, then, click the “Fit” icon, select and click the “Linear Fit.” The slope that will
be printed is the acceleration obtained graphically. Record it as acceleration (obtained graphically
from the computer) in cm/s2.
14. Solve for the acceleration using the formula

Where
g = 980 cm/s2

15. Solve for the percentage difference using

16. Repeat the process for Run #2 and Run #3 using the masses given in Table 1.
17. Fill up the data for table 1, then, print the graph for Table 1.

DATA RECORDING – CONSTANT FORCE

18. Change the total mass of the system, keeping the net force constant. The values for M 1 and M2 are
given in Table 2.
19. Click the “DATA” icon, then select and click “No Data” to start recording the new sets of data.
20. Repeat the process in Constant Total Mass then print the graph for Table 2.
 Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 5A: ATWOOD’S MACHINE

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

DATA AND RESULTS

Table 1: Constant Total Mass

%
Run M1 M2 M1 + M 2 2
(cm/s ) (dynes)
2
(cm/s ) difference
(g) (g) (g)

1 65 55

2 70 50

3 75 45

Table 2: Constant Net Force

%
Run M1 M2 M1 + M2 2
(cm/s ) (dynes)
2
(cm/s ) difference
(g) (g) (g)

1 35 25

2 45 35
3 55 45

Experiment 5B

NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

PROCEDURE:
A. Constant Total Mass

1. Fasten M1 and M2, as provided in Table 1, to each end of the string passing over the pulley of the
Simple Atwood’s Machine.
2. Place the heavier mass, MS, just below the pulley, and the mass, M1, just 1 cm above the floor.
3. Mark the starting position of Ms as point 1 and from it measure a distance of 150 cm and mark it as
point 2.
4. Release M2, at the same time start the timer (stop watch). When M2 passes point 2, stop the timer.
Record the measured time in Table 1.
5. Solve for the experimental value of acceleration using:

6. Solve for the theoretical value of acceleration using:

Where

7. Find the percentage difference between the experimental and theoretical values of acceleration.
8. Repeat the procedure above for trials 2 and 3.

B. Constant Net Force

9. Repeat procedure in A for the given values of M 1 and M2 in Table 2. Fill up the needed data for
Table 2.

QUESTIONS:
1. In the graph of in the experiment, what does the slope of the line represent?
 2. Compare the theoretical and experimental accelerations. Give reasons for the difference in the
values. What can be done to minimize the errors in the determination of the experimental
acceleration?
3. In the experiment, what can you say about the acceleration of the two objects if:

Name _________________________ Section: ________ Group No. ____

Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 5B: NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

DATA AND RESULTS

Table 1: Constant Total Mass

%
Run M1 M2 M1 + M2 2
(cm/s ) (dynes)
2
(cm/s ) difference Time
(g) (g) (g) (t)

1 200 210

2 190 220

3 180 230

Table 2: Constant Net Force

%
Run M1 M2 M1 + M2 2
(cm/s ) (dynes)
2
(cm/s ) difference Time
(g) (g) (g) (t)

1 50 60
2 150 160

3 250 260

Experiment 6A

KINETIC FRICTION

Procedure

1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface the computer using USB cable. Turn on the Interface and the
computer.
2. Connect the Photogate’s phone plug to Digital Channel 1 on the interface.
3. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop. Double click “Open Activity” in
Welcome to Data Studio Pop-up Menu (or under File Menu, click “Open Activity”). Double-click
“Physics”. Double-click “P21 Kinetic Friction”.
4. Close the “Kinetic Friction Workbook” by clicking the “X” button.
5. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Smart Pulley is already connected to Digital Channel 1,
otherwise click the “Smart Pulley” icon and drag it to Digital Channel 1 of the Science Workshop
Interface. Then. Click the minimize button of ‘Experiment Set-up” window.
6. To mount the photogate/pulley to the Friction Board, do the following:
a. Attach the pulley to the tab of the Photogate using the pulley mounting rod.
b. Place the photogate/pulley in the clamp and mount the rod vertically on the stand rod, with the
edge of the pulley on the same level as the point of connection to the block.
7. Use a piece of string that is about 10cm longer than the distance from the top of the horizontal surface
to the floor. Attach one end of the string to the block and the other end to a hanger passing over the
pulley.
8. Measure the mass of the Friction Block , and record it as M in Table1.

Data Recording – Large Smooth Surface

9. Place the block so its largest side is on the horizontal surface.
10. Put enough mass on the hanger so that the block will slide on the surface without needing an initial
push. Measure and record the value of the total hanging mass, m (include the mass of the hanger), in
Table 1.
11. Pull the block away from the Photogate/Pulley System until the hanging mass is almost up to the
pulley. Hold block in place. Turn the pulley so the photogate’s beam is not blocked (light-emitting
diode on the photogate is not lit.)
12. Begin data recording.
13. Release the block.
14. End data recording before the block hits the pulley. Do not let the block hit the pulley. The data will
appear as Run #1.
15. Repeat the procedure to obtain a second run of data for the same hanging mass and surface. The data
will appear as Run #2.

Data Recording – Different Mass of Block

16. Double the mass of the block by putting a mass approximately equal to the mass of the block on top of
the block. Record their combined total mass, M, in Table 1.
17. Repeat the procedure above and the data will appear as Run #3.

Data Recording – Different Surface Area

18. Remove the additional mass from the Friction Block and from the mass hanger, then repeat Procedure
10 and 17 using the smallest smooth of the Friction Block.
19. Record the data in Table 1 as Run #4, #5, and #6.

Data Recording – Different Surface Material

20. Place the block so its largest “rough” side is on the horizontal surface.
21. Put enough mass on the mass hanger so that the block will slide on the surface without needing an
initial push. Measure and record the value of the total hanging mass, m, in Table 1. Remember to
include the mass of the hanger.
22. Record one run of data as before to see how different material affects the coefficient of kinetic friction
as Run#7.
23. Place the block so its smallest “rough” side is on the horizontal surface.
24. Record the data using the same hanging mass you used for the largest “rough” side so you can
compare this run to the data for the largest “rough’ side. Run#8.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is friction? Static friction? Kinetic friction?
2. In reference to the direction of motion, in which direction does the kinetic frictional force act?
3. What is the relationship between the coefficient of kinetic friction and the mass, surface area, type
of material or the speed of the object?
4. What is the effect of decreasing the surface area of the block in contact with the table on
Name Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 6A: KINETIC FRICTION

DATA AND RESULTS

Table

Total Mass of the Total Hanging Acceleration

Run Block (M) Mass (m) From Graph μk
G g cm/s2

5
 6

Experiment 6B

STATIC FRICTION

Apparatus: Friction board with pulley, block of wood with different surfaces, weight hanger, set of
weights, meter stick, angle indicator and string

A. DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT OF STATIC FRICTION

1. Measure the mass of the wooden block.

2. Attach the Angle Indicator on the Friction Board.
3. Place the block on one end of the Friction Board with its largest wooden surface in contact with the
board. Slowly raise the end of the board until the block slides down the plane. Record the angle of
repose. Solve for the coefficient of static friction. Record the value in Table 1.
4. Add 100-gram mass to the wooden block. Repeat Procedure 3 for flat position of the wooden block.
5. Remove the 100-gram mass and position the wooden block with its rubber surface in contact with the
Friction Board. Repeat Procedures 3 and 4.
6. Turn the block on its side. Repeat procedures 3 and 4.

B. DETERMINATION OF STATIC FRICTION

1. Place the wooden block on one end of the Friction Board. Use a string to connect the wooden block to
a hanger passing over a pulley attached at the other end of the board.
2. Gradually add masses to the hanger until the wooden block just breaks away from the surface and
moves. Record in Table 2 the normal force (mass of the wooden block and mass added to it) and the
static friction (equal to the total hanging mass). Compute for the static friction using the coefficient of
static friction in Table 1 and the normal force in Table 2.
3. Add 100-gram mass to the wooden block. Repeat Procedure 2.
4. Remove the 100-gram mass and turn the wooden block so that the rubber surface is in contact with the
Friction Board. Repeat Procedures 2 and 3.
5. Remove the 100-gram mass and turn the wooden block on its side so that its smaller surface area is in
contact with the Friction Board. Repeat Procedures 2 and 3.
Name Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 6B: Static Friction

DATA AND RESULTS

Table 1: COEFFICIENT OF STATIC FRICTION

Total Mass
Position of Nature of Angle of Coefficient of
(Wooden Block + Mass
Block Surfaces Repose Static Friction
Added)

Flat Wood on Wood

Flat Wood on Wood

Flat Rubber on Wood

Flat Rubber on Wood

On side Wood on Wood

On side Wood on Wood

Table 2: STATIC FRICTION

Position Nature of Normal Static Friction Static Friction %

of Block Surfaces Force (Experimental) (Theoretical) Difference

Flat Wood on Wood

 Flat Wood on Wood

Flat Rubber on Wood

Flat Rubber on Wood

On side Wood on Wood

On side Wood on Wood

Experiment No 7A

CENTRIPETAL FORCE ON A PENDULUM

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

Procedure
1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface to the computer using USB cable. Turn on the Interface and
the computer.
2. Connect the Photogate’s phone plug to Digital Channel 1 and the Force Sensor’s DIN plug to Analog
Channel A on the interface.
3. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop. Double click “Open Activity” in
Welcome to Data Studio Pop-up Menu (or under File Menu, click “Open Activity”). Double-click
“Physics”. Double-click “P26 Centripetal Force”.
4. Close the “Centripetal Force Workbook” by clicking the “X” button.
5. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Photogate is already connected to Digital Channel 1 and the
Force Sensor to Analog Channel A, otherwise click the “Photogate” icon and drag it to Digital
Channel 1 and the “Force Sensor” icon to the Analog Channel A of the Science Workshop Interface.
Then, click the minimize button of ‘Experiment Set-up” window.
6. Connect 100-gram pendulum bob to the Force Sensor using a string of length 60cm.
7. Mount the Force Sensor on a horizontal rod with the hook end down.
8. Arrange the Photogate so that the pendulum bob blocks the Photogate’s beam when the bob is at rest.
The center mass of the pendulum bob should be approximately at the same height as the Photogate
beam.
9. The radius of swing must be measured from the bottom of the Force Sensor’s hook to the middle of
the pendulum bob. Record the radius, R, in the data table.
10. Practice swinging the pendulum bob. Pull the pendulum bob to the side about 15 to 20 cm, then gently
release it so it swings through the Photogate as smoothly as possible. Do not let the pendulum bob hit
the Photogate. The middle of the pendulum should break the Photogate beam. Adjust the position of
the Photogate if necessary.
11. Zero the Force Sensor by pressing the “Tare” button on its side, when the pendulum bob is at rest.
12. Let the pendulum swing back and forth, then, click the START button to begin recoding the data.
13. Record data for about 20 seconds, then click the STOP button.
14. Click the “Scale to Fit” button
15. Find the maximum centripetal force and the corresponding velocity on the graph by doing the
following:
a. Activate the Force-Time graph window by clicking on any part of the window, then, click the
‘Smart Tool” button. A dashed x-y axis will appear.
b. Click on the intersection of the dashed x-y axis, and drag it to the first trough (using the mouse) in
the plot of Force vs Time and read the value of force. Record the absolute value in the Data Table.
 c. Activate the Velocity-Time graph window by clicking on any part of the window, then, click
“Align Matching X-Scales” button. Click the ‘Smart Tool” button. A dashed x-y axis will appear.
Click on the intersection of the dashed x-y axis and drag it to the velocity corresponding to the
trough you measured in the Centripetal Force graph in part (b). Record the value of speed in the
Data Table.

16. Repeat the data analysis for 3 more troughs on the plot of the Centripetal Force. Record the maximum
centripetal force & the corresponding aped in the Data Table.
17. For each value of speed you measured, calculate the centripetal force, using the mass, m, speed, v, and
radius of swing, R, of the pendulum as follows:

18. Calculate the percent difference between the measured centripetal force and the calculated centripetal
force for each set point. Record the percent difference in the Data Table.

QUESTIONS:
1. Why is it necessary to have the same speed for each run? How is this possible?
2. What are the factors that affect the centripetal force on a pendulum bob as the bob swings back
and forth?
3. What is the effect of changing the mass value, length or speed of the bob on the centripetal force?
Name Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 7A: CENTRIPETAL FORCE ON A PENDULUM

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

DATA AND RESULTS

Mass = _______________grams
Radius = ______________cm

Points Fc, measured (N) V (m/s) Fc, calculated (N) % Difference

4
 Experiment No 7B

CENTRIPETAL FORCE

Apparatus: Centripetal-force apparatus, hooked masses, beam balance, meterstick, and stopwatch.

Procedure

1. Measure and record the mass of the wooden ball.

2. Pass a string through the tube and attach the wooden ball on the top end of the tube.
3. Hang a hooked mass (M) of 175 g on the other end of the string.
4. Hold the tube horizontal with the ball and the hooked mass hanging at about the same distance from
the ends of the tube.
5. Observe and note the effect.
6. Hold the tube vertical and swing the ball in a circular path in a horizontal plane.
7. Adjust the speed of rotation of the ball and the radius so that the hooked mass is just supported by the
string.
8. Start the motion with the tube at arm’s length and above the head.
9. Count and record the number of revolutions in one minute.
10. Grasp the string at the bottom of the tube to mark the position of the string while the ball was moving.
Measure the distance R from the top of the tube to the center of the ball.
11. Change the radius of rotation. Use a smaller value and then a larger one.
12. Repeat (3) using a hooked mass of 200g.
Name Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 7B: CENTRIPETAL FORCE

DATA AND RESULTS

Mass of wooden ball = ______________

Weight
Centripetal Central
Number Time Radius Velocity hooked
Force Acceleration
of Rev Sec Cm cm/s mass
dynes cm/s2
(n) (t) (r) (v) dynes
(F) (a)
(Mg)

Hooked
mass =
175 g

Hooked
mass =
200g
 EXPERIMENT 8

WORK-ENERGY THEOREM
(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

Procedure

1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface the computer using USB cable. Turn on the Interface and the
computer.
2. Connect the Photogate’s phone plug to Digital Channel 1 and the Force Sensor’s DIN plug to Analog
Channel A on the interface.
3. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop. Double click “Open Activity” in
Welcome to Data Studio Pop-up Menu (or under File Menu, click “Open Activity”). Double-click
“Physics”. Double-click “P19 Work Energy”.
4. Close the “Work Energy Workbook” by clicking the “X” button.
5. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Photogate is already connected to Digital Channel 1 and the
Force Sensor to Analog Channel A, otherwise click the “Photogate” icon and drag it to Digital
Channel 1 and the “Force Sensor” icon to the Analog Channel A of the Science Workshop Interface.
Then. Click the minimize button of ‘Experiment Set-up” window.
6. Measure the mass of the cart and the Force Sensor, and record the value in the Data Table.
7. Place the Dynamic Track on a horizontal surface. Place the cart on the Dynamic Track. If the cart rolls
one way or the other, use the adjusted feet at one end of the Dynamic Track to raise or lower that end
until the Dynamic Track is level and the cart does not roll one way or the other.
8. Mount the pulley to the tab on the Photogate and clamp it on the end of the track. Mount the Force
Sensor on the cart. Connect one end of a string on the Force Sensor’s hook and the other end to a
hanger, passing over the pulley.
9. Attach a 100-gram mass to the hanger. Pull the cart away from the Photogate so the hanger is just
below the pulley. Turn the pulley so the beam of the Photogate is not blocked (the LED on the top of
the Photogate is not lit.)
10. Press the TARE button on the Force Sensor. Release the cart, then click the START button to start
reading data.
11. Click the STOP button just before the cart reaches the end of the track (stop the cart before it hits the
pulley.)
12. Run #1 will appear in the Force vs Position Graph and Velocity-Kinetic Energy Table.
13. Click “Calculate” button to calculate kinetic energy. Click the “Mass” button and type the total mass
of the cart and sensor in kg. Click the “Accept” button to save your change.
14. Close the Calculator Window. The kinetic energy calculation should be displayed in the Table for
Kinetic Energy and Velocity.
15. From the Table of Kinetic Energy and Velocity, find the maximum values of kinetic energy and
velocity. Record these values in the Data Table.
16. Click the “Force vs Positon Graph.” Drag the cursor to highlight the region of data that corresponds to
the motion of the cart.
17. Click the “Statistics” button. Click “Area.”
18. Record the Area (displayed on a rectangle) in the Data Table as the work performed.
19. Repeat the procedure for 2 more trials.

QUESTIONS:
1. Find the kinetic energy of a 2000 kg van moving at 0.10 m/s and when it is moving at 0.75 m/s.
2. A 10-kg block is pulled with initial speed of 1.0 m/s. The total work done on the block by all
forces to move it 10 meters is 5 kJ. Find the speed of the block after it moves 10 meters.

Name Section: ________ Group No. ____

Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 8: WORK-ENERGY THEOREM

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

DATA AND RESULTS

Hanging mass = ___________ grams
Mass of cart and sensor = ___________ grams

Maximum
Maximum
Trial Kinetic Energy Work (J)
Velocity (m/s)
(J)

3
 EXPERIMENT 9

IMPULSE AND MOMENTUM

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

Procedure

1. Connect the Science Workshop Interface the computer using USB cable. Turn on the Interface and the
computer.
2. Connect the Motion Sensor’s plug to Digital Channels 1 and 2 on the interface (yellow plug to Digital
Channel 1 and black plug to Digital Channel 2.)
3. Connect the Force Sensor’s plug to Analog Channel A.
4. Double-click the “Data Studio” icon on the computer desktop. Double click “Open Activity” in
Welcome to Data Studio Pop-up Menu (or under File Menu, click “Open Activity”). Double-click
“Physics”. Double-click “P11 Impulse”.
5. Close the “Impulse Workbook” by clicking the “X” button.
6. Click “Set-up” button and verify that the Photogate is already connected to Digital Channels 1 and 2
and the Force Sensor to Analog Channel A, otherwise click the “Motion Sensor” icon and drag it to
Digital Channels 1 and 2 and the “Force Sensor” icon to the Analog Channel A of the Science
Workshop Interface.
7. Double-click the motion sensor icon that is connected to the interface. Click the “Motion Sensor” tab
and set the Trigger rate to 50. Then click “OK.”
8. Then, click the minimize button of “Experiment Set-up” window.
9. The Science Workshop document has graphs with Force vs Time and Velocity vs Time axes.
10. Place the Dynamic Track on a horizontal surface.
11. Detach the magnetic bumper from the Accessory Bracket and connect it to the Force Sensor.
12. Mount the Force Sensor on the Accessory Bracket. Mount the Accessory Bracket at one end of the
Dynamic Track. Mount the motion sensor at the other end of the Dynamic Track.
13. Use a book to raise the end of the Dynamic Track (where the Motion Sensor is mounted) about 1.5
cm, so the cart will freely roll down the inclined plane toward the other end where the Force Sensor is
mounted.
14. Mark the starting point of the cart, that is, 20 cm away from the Motion Sensor. Start the cart (from
rest) at this position for all trials.
15. Put a heavy mass at the Force Sensor end of the Dynamic Track so the Dynamic Track will not move
during the collision.
16. Measure and record the mass of the cart in the Data Table.
17. Place the cart at the starting mark on the Dynamic Track.
18. Press the TARE button on the side of the Force Sensor to “zero” the sensor.
19. Release the cart so it rolls toward the Force Sensor. Click the START button.
20. When the cart has rebounded from the collision within the Force Sensor’s magnetic bumper, click the
STOP button.
21. The data will appear as Run #1.
22. In the graph display, click on the zoom button while holding down on the mouse button, move the
cursor to draw a rectangle around the peak in the Force vs time plot. Make sure that the entire peak is
highlighted.
23. Select the region in the graph that corresponds to the collision.
24. Click the ‘Calculate” button. Click “Special” button, select and click “Integral.”
25. Click the “X” button for variables. Select and click “Data Measurement.” Then, close the Calculator
Window.
26. From the highlighted graph, note the range of time highlighted, double-click ‘Table” on the Display
Window. Click “Integral of y.” The Table will show the values for the Time and Integral of y. The
integral of y is the value of the impulse. Select the value of the impulse that is within the highlighted
time range you noted before.
27. Double-click the Table in the Display Window and select and click “Velocity.” Find the velocity
before the collision and the velocity just after the collision. The velocity before collision is the highest
positive value, and the velocity after the collision is the negative velocity just after a value close to
zero.
28. Solve for the change in momentum as

change in momentum = mass*(Vfinal – Vintitial)

29. Compare this change in momentum with the value of impulse as

% Difference =

30. Repeat the process for two more trials.

QUESTIONS:
1. Why is it important to have the same initial speed for each run?
2. Which causes a bigger change in momentum of an object, a big force for a short time or a small
force for a longer time?
3. How can using a seatbelt and having airbags in cars prevent injuries during collision?
Name Section: ________ Group No. ____
Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 9: IMPULSE AND MOMENTUM

(COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENT)

DATA AND RESULTS

Mass of the cart = ____________kg

Velocity After Velocity Before Change in

Trial Impulse % Difference
Collision Collision Momentum

3
 EXPERIMENT 10

TORQUE

Apparatus: Equal Arm Balance, Spring Balance (maximum values of 10N – 2pcs)

Procedure:

1. Using support rod and clamp, mount the equal arm balance.
2. Connect a spring balance at a point that is L distance from the left side of the axis of rotation. Connect
a second spring balance at a point that is 2/3 L distance from the right side of the axis of rotation.

Torque as a Function of Distance

3. Exert a downward force on the first spring balance so that it reads the value F1 indicated in Table 1. At
the same time, exert a downward force on the second spring balance to balance the Equal Arm
Balance. Record the reading of the second spring balance as F2 in Table 1.
4. Using moment equation, solve for the value of F2. Record the computed value in Table 1.
5. Find the percent difference between the measured vale and the computed value of F2.
6. Repeat procedures 3 to 5 for 2 more trials using the value of F1 indicated in Table 1.

Torque as a Function of Angle and Distance

7. For the same connection of the 2 spring balances, exert a downward force F1 = 2N on the first spring
balance, applied at an angle θ, as indicated in Table 2, to balance the Equal Arm Balance. Record the
reading of the second spring balance as F2 in table 2.
8. Compute for the value of F2 using moment equation and record the computed value in Table 2. (For
Equal Arm Balance, the distance must also be measured.)
9. Find the percent difference between the measured and computed values of F2.
10. Repeat procedures 7 to 9 for two more trials using the value of 9 in Table 2. For trials 1 and 2, the
angle 9 is measured from the left side of the vertical axis. For trial 3, the angle 9 is measured from the
right side of the vertical axis.

QUESTIONS:
1. Which will make loosening or tightening a screw easier, a longer screwdriver or one with a bigger
(Radius) handle? Why?
2. What factors affect the magnitude of torque?
 3. A 10-m beam lies horizontally balanced on a pivot at midspan. If a force of 10-N is applied at one
end of the beam, where should a 20-N be placed to maintain the beam horizontal?

Name Section: ________ Group No. ____

Members: ______________________ Date Performed: ________________
______________________ Date Submitted: ________________
______________________
______________________
______________________

Experiment No. 10: Torque

DATA AND RESULTS

Distance of F1 from the center of rotation

Distance of F2 from the center of rotation

Table 1. Torque as a Function of Distance

Trial F1 (N) F2 measured (N) F2 computed (N) % Difference

1 1

2 3

3 5

Table 2. Torque as a Function of Angle and Distance

 F2 measured F2 computed %
Trial F1 (N) (Degrees)
(N) (N) Difference

1 2 51

2 2 32

3 2 13

PHYSICS 202 LABORATORY EXPERIMENT

Experiment Experiment Title

Number

1 Measurement: Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper

2 Force Vectors: Graphical and Analytical Methods

3A Acceleration Down and Incline

3B Uniform Acceleration on an Inclined Plane

4 Motion of a Projectile

5A Atwood’s Machine

5B Newton’s Second Law of Motion

6A Kinetic Friction

6B Static Friction

7A Centripetal Force on a Pendulum

 7B Centripetal Force

8 Work-Energy Theorem

9 Impulse and momentum

10 Torque

Name Section .__

Group No. Instructor .

Experiment Preliminary Report Final Report

Date Date
Number Grade Submitted Grade Submitted

3A

3B

5A

5B

6A

6B
7A

7B

10