Vernier Centripetal Force Apparatus - Manual (Page 2)

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Rotating Assembly
The Rotating Assembly consists of a Rotating Beam, Rotational Shaft, Bearing
Housing, Encoder Wheel, and 3-Step Pulley. Carriages are placed on the Rotating
Beam. A string can be attached to the 3-Step Pulley to apply a torque to the
Rotational Shaft.
In the middle of the Rotating Beam, you’ll find a Pulley Guide. A string from a
Dual-Range Force Sensor threaded through this pulley can be used to attach the
force sensor to the Sliding Carriage.
Carriages
Two carriages ride on the Rotating Beam during data collection. A Sliding Carriage
(shown at left) has low friction bearings that allow it to slide along the beam during
the experiment. The Sliding Carriage
is attached to a force sensor (e.g., a
Dual-Range Force Sensor or Wireless
Dynamic Sensor System). A
Counterbalance Carriage (shown at
right) is secured to the other side of
the beam using screws and T-nuts. As
the beam rotates, the force sensor
measures the centripetal force on the
Sliding Carriage. A separate sensor
(i.e., a Vernier Photogate) measures
the angular position and angular
velocity.
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Swivel Assembly
The Swivel Assembly consists of two strings and a swivel. The assembly is used to
connect the Sliding Carriage to a Dual-Range Force Sensor. A small screw on one
end of the assembly connects to the end of the force sensor. The other end of the
Swivel Assembly contains a loop that slides over a hook on the Sliding Carriage.
Swivel Assembly
Dual-Range Force Sensor Bracket
This bracket is attached to the right side
of the frame. Slide the Dual-Range Force
Sensor onto the post and use the plastic
1/4 x 20 screw that ships with the force
sensor to secure the sensor to the bracket.
A screw on the right side of the bracket
allows the bracket to move up and down,
which enables a change in the radius of
motion of the Sliding Carriage when
attached via the Swivel Assembly.
Photogate Bracket
This bracket, located on the bottom of the frame, allows
you to attach a Vernier Photogate to the frame. A
1/4 x 20 screw is stored in the bottom of the bracket.