Phys4AF14 izheng: Lab: Conservation of Linear and Angular Momentum

Lab: Conservation of Linear and Angular Momentum

Purpose: Verify the conservation of linear and angular momentum

Equipment:
Rotational dynamics apparatus, rotational accessory kit, ball-catcher, ramp.

Experiment:
1. Set up the apparatus as the pictures show.
2. Measure the height from the starting point to launch point.
3. Line up the end of the ramp with the end of the lab table and release the ball from this starting point and note where the ball strikes the floor.
3. Measure the vertical fall of the bottom of the ball and the horizontal travel distance of the ball.
4. Calculate the launch speed of the ball.
5. Use the aluminum top disk, and mount the ball-catcher on the top of the small torque pulley using a gray-capped thumbscrew.
6. Release a hanging mass, and get the average angular acceleration of descending and ascending.
7. Calculate the moment of inertia based on the average angular acceleration.
8. Set up the ramp, and measure the radius at which the ball struck the ball-catcher.
9. Release the ball at the same height and record the final angular speed.
10. Do the calculation for the final angular speed and compare it with the actual value.