PASCO PS-2128 Visual Accelerometer - Manual (Page 17)

Visual Accelerometer Model No. PS-2128
16 ®
It is easier to adjust for level if you don’t tie the thread to the Visual
Accelerometer. Run the thread from the pendulum clamp down
through the loops (See Figure 1.9b) in the Visual Accelerometer and
then back up to the clamp. Zero the Accelerometer when it is at rest at
the bottom of its swing.
Additional equipment required: Pendulum Clamp (SE-9443)
Additional equipment recommended: Large Rod Base (ME-8735)
and Steel Rod (ME-8738)
10) Visual Accelerometer and
Pendulum (Vertical Orientation)
This setup uses a pendulum clamp
and thread to allow the Visual
Accelerometer to hang vertically. As
the Visual Accelerometer oscillates, it
measures the centripetal acceleration,
the acceleration parallel to the string.
It is easier to adjust for level if you
don’t tie the thread to the Visual
Accelerometer. Run the thread from
the pendulum clamp down through
the loops on the Visual Accelerometer
and then back up to the clamp. Zero
the Accelerometer (in its vertical
orientation) when it is at rest at the
bottom of its swing. Because the
Visual Accelerometer tips as it
oscillates, the results might be surprising. Compare the results of this
setup to the Parallel Pendulum setup. A more clear demonstration of
centripetal acceleration is described in the rotation setup on page 18,
using the Rotating Platform.
Additional Equipment required: Pendulum Clamp (SE-9443)
Additional equipment recommended: Large Rod Base (ME-8735)
and Steel Rod (ME-8738)
11) Visual Accelerometer Parallel to Pendulum
This setup keeps the Visual Accelerometer level as it oscillates by
using the special four string pendulum plate from the Visual
Accelerometer Accessory Kit. The Accelerometer correctly shows the
horizontal acceleration as it oscillates. It is easier to adjust for level if
you don’t tie the thread to the Visual Accelerometer. Run the thread
Figure 1.10: Visual
Accelerometer used as a
pendulum (vertical
orientation)