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Smart Timer Manual ME 8930
Smart Timer Manual ME 8930
09/98
Experiment Guide for the
PASCO scientific
Model ME-8930
SMART TIMER
4
ne
Pla
Table of Contents
Section Page
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
Equipment................................................................................................................................... 3
Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 12
Accessory Options...................................................................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 14
i
Copyright, Warranty, and Equipment Return
ii
012–06734A Smart Timer
Introduction
The PASCO ME-8930 Smart Timer is an accurate, versatile digital timer and
measurement system for the student laboratory. The Smart Timer offers 0.1 ms timing
resolution and an easy-to-use memory function. The Smart Timer measures several types
of events detected with PASCO’s digital sensors, including speed and acceleration using
standard photogates. The PASCO ME-9387 Smart Pulley, the ME-9207B Free Fall
Adapter, the ME-6810 Time-of-Flight Accessory, or the ME-9259A Laser Switch also
work with the Smart Timer. The Smart Timer counts radiation emission events detected
with the SN-7927 G-M Tube/Power Supply or the SE-7997 G-M Tube. The Smart Timer
features two input channels and a 2-line, 16-character alphanumeric liquid crystal display
that indicates the operating mode and experimental results.
Features:
The Smart Timer’s memory function makes it easy to time events that happen in rapid
succession, such as a Dynamics Cart passing twice through the photogate, once before
and then again after a collision. The 0.1 ms resolution is especially useful in some
experiments, such as measuring velocity or acceleration during free fall. The Smart
Timer can calculate velocity before and after a collision between two carts using a single
timer. With the new fence design and sensing logic, parallax errors are eliminated and
timing accuracy is improved considerably over existing timing options. The Smart
Timer’s internal microcontroller also eliminates the problem of incorrect readings due to
multiple passes through the same photogate by “understanding” the type of measurement
selected and ignoring multiple passes.
The Smart Timer has many different options for timing and calculating values based on
inputs from a variety of sensors. The graphics on the keypad aid in the selection of the
appropriate timing mode. Options include One or Two Gates, Fence, and Pendulum
modes. These modes allow you to measure the speed of an object as it passes through the
photogate or between two photogates, or to measure the period of a pendulum. The
stopwatch mode lets you use the timer as an electronic stopwatch.
The Smart Timer can measure speed and acceleration for both linear and rotational
motion experiments. Alternatively, the time can be measured directly, and the speed and
acceleration can then be calculated by the student. The speed and acceleration
measurement features can be enabled or disabled using a switch inside the Smart Timer.
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
In One Gate Mode, a single photogate lets you measure the time, velocity, or acceleration
of a fence as it passes through the photogate. Two photogates are used for collision
experiments using one or two carts or for experiments where the velocity of a cart must be
measured at two different points. In Two Gate Mode, two photogates are used and the
time to travel between the two can be measured. This mode can also be used to measure
time of flight using the ME-6810 Time-of-Flight Accessory.
Power Options:
The Photogate Timer can be powered using the included 9VDC adapter. It will also run
on 4-AA size, 1.5 volt alkaline batteries which will provide over 100 hours of operation in
typical use.
Experiments:
Four copy-ready experiments and 9 additional suggested experiments are included in this
manual, showing a variety of ways to use the Smart Timer. The equipment requirements
vary for different experiments. For many of the experiments, you will need a Dynamics
Track and Dynamics Carts. Some experiments also require two ME-9204B Accessory
Photogates or the ME-9387 Smart Pulley. Check the equipment requirements listed at the
beginning of each experiment.
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Equipment
Included:
Smart Timer
Smart Timer Picket Fences (2)
9 VDC adapter
liquid crystal display
mode illustrations
4
ne
connector for 9VDC adapter Pla
(side panel))
battery compartment
on/off switch
(bottom panel)
(side panel)
input channel 2
touchpad keys
input channel 1
1 cm flag
1 cm fence
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
input channel 2
input channel 1
1. Plug the ¼-inch phone plug from the photogate into the
Smart Timer’s input channel 1 or 2 (see Figure 2). For all
experiments using a single photogate or pulley, either of the
two available jacks may be used interchangeably. For all
other modes see the individual descriptions below.
2. Plug the 9 VDC power adapter into the small receptacle on
Figure 2
the side of the timer and into a standard 110 VAC, 60 Hz Connecting the photogate to the Smart
wall outlet. Timer
3. Position the photogate head so the object to be timed will
pass through the arms of the photogate, blocking the ➤ Note: Smart Timers shipped to certain
photogate beam. Loosen the clamp screw if you want to locations are supplied with a transformer
change the angle or height of the photogate, then tighten it for 220/240 VAC, 50 Hz power.
securely.
4. Slide the power switch to the ON position. The Smart
Timer will “beep” and show PASCO scientific on the
display. From this point, the three-step setup of the Smart
Timer is easy:
1. Press the Select Measurement key until the
desired measurement type is displayed on the top
line of the display. Note that the menu rolls over to
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
summary of the mode suggested for a given experimental activity can be found on page 5 ➤ Note: The
(Quick Cross-Reference for Suggested Activities and Smart Timer Modes). Refer to the picket fence
timing diagrams in Table 1 (pages 8 and 9) for a detailed look at how the Smart Timers supplied with the
times events on its input(s) and an explanation of how speed and acceleration calculations Smart Timer is
are performed internally. designed to
The following are detailed descriptions of the Smart Timer’s modes of operation. increase timing
accuracy when
Time Modes used with
photogates. The
One Gate: In One Gate mode, timing begins when the beam is first blocked and
fence has three
continues until the beam is blocked again. This mode can be used to measure the speed of
sections: the 1 cm
an object as it passes through the photogate. If an object of length L blocks the photogate
flag, the 5 cm
for a time t, the average velocity of the object as it passed through the photogate was L/t.
fence, and the 1
Fence: In Fence mode, the timer measures the time between successive interruptions of cm fence; one of
the photogate. Timing begins when the beam is first blocked and continues until the these must be
beam is unblocked and then blocked again. The Smart Timer can remember ten such aligned with the
interruptions and will allow the user to scroll through the times using either the Select photogate light
Measurement or the Select Mode keys. Pressing the Start/Stop once will allow another path before the
measurement type to be selected. Pressing it twice begins a new Fence Mode experiment can
measurement. Note that once a measurement has begun with an initial block of the proceed.
photogate, the Smart Timer will continue to time until ten interruptions are counted before
stopping the measurement and displaying the result. Pressing Start/Stop will stop the
measurement, and any recorded times will be displayed.
Two Gates: In this mode, the Smart Timer measures the time between blocking two
photogates. This mode is useful for not only air tracks and Dynamics Tracks but also with
the ME-6810 Time-of-Flight Accessory. In this mode, you must plug the photogate you
expect to encounter first into input channel 1, and the second photogate into input
channel 2.
Pendulum: In Pendulum mode, the timer measures the period of one complete
oscillation. Timing begins as the pendulum first cuts through the beam. The timer
ignores the next interruption, which corresponds to the pendulum swinging back in the
opposite direction. Timing stops at the beginning of the third interruption, as the
pendulum completes one full oscillation. Press the Start/Stop key again to begin a new
timing cycle.
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012–06734A Smart Timer
cleared and the “*” reappears. This RESET-START-STOP sequence is repeated for ➤ Note:
each new elapsed time. Whenever the “*” is not showing, the mode may be The stopwatch
changed. function is not a
Using the Alternate Timing Function: Connect an appropriate accessory to input precision timing
channel #1 or #2. Enter Stopwatch mode and press the Start/Stop key. The Smart mode and is
Timer will beep and a “*” will appear on the second line of the LCD. At this time therefore most
the accessory will be powered. By blocking and unblocking the beam in the case of useful for events
the Laser Switch, or by dropping the steel ball in the case of the Free Fall Adapter, that are longer
the elapsed time will be measured. The Smart Timer will resolve 100 microseconds than one second.
in the alternate timing mode. The accuracy of
the stopwatch is
➤ Notes about the Stopwatch Mode: +/-10
1. Although it is possible to use older style fences in the alternate timing function to milliseconds.
obtain photogate beam block times, the Smart Timer will provide much higher
accuracy when used with the included fences and the standard timing modes.
➤ Hint:
2. Two photogates cannot be plugged into the Smart Timer when you are using a
For easier
photogate to start and stop the timer. A single photogate can be plugged into channel
alignment of the
#1 or #2 to start and stop the timer. But if two photogates are plugged in, when one
laser with the
gate is blocked, the other gate immediately is counted as an unblock, and the timer
Laser Switch, use
will display 0.0001 seconds, regardless of the length of time the first photogate is
the Test:Gates
blocked.
mode.
3. You cannot start the timing with the Start/Stop key and end it with a photogate
block or vice versa.
4. If a photogate is plugged in and blocked when you try to use the Start/Stop key as a
stopwatch, the Smart Timer will be timing the photogate and waiting for the
photogate to become unblocked. So when you push the Start/Stop key, the asterisk
disappears and when you push the Start/Stop key again, the asterisk reappears. No
time is displayed until the photogate is unblocked.
Speed Modes
One Gate: In this mode a 1 cm flag passes through the photogate. The Smart Timer
measures the time and calculates the average speed in cm/s.
Collision: In this mode either one or two carts and one or two photogates can be used for
a collision experiment. Once Start/Stop is pressed, the Smart Timer waits for the first
collision and begins timing. The Smart Timer stops timing when two carts have passed
through their respective photogates twice. Timing can always be stopped manually by
pressing Start/Stop and the Smart Timer will display speed(s) based on the information it
has (you will need to press Start/Stop for single cart collisions). The display will present
the results in the following format:
1: xx.x,yy.y
2: xx.x,yy.y
The first number represents the input jack and the following two numbers indicate the
initial speed (xx.x) and final speed (yy.y), respectively.
7
Table 1. Summary of Smart Timer Modes
Type Modes Key Sequence* Timing Diagram** Calculation Algorithm
One Gate
Fence
Time
Two Gates
Pendulum
Stop Watch
Collision (cm/s)
Speed
Pulley (rad/s)
Pulley (rev/s)
One Gate
Acceleration
Linear Pulley
Angular Pulley
Two Gates
30 seconds
60 seconds
Counts
5 minutes
Manual
Test
One Gate
Pulley (rad/s): The Smart Timer will measure the speed of a pulley passing through a
photogate in units of radians/second. One measurement will be taken each time the Start/
Stop switch is pressed. The Smart Timer cannot differentiate between clockwise and
counterclockwise directions. Note that, as in many other modes, if a “*” shows in the first
character position of the second line, the Smart Timer is actively waiting for an external
timing event to occur. If the “*” is not showing, the Timer measurement mode may be
changed. This mode has a minimum speed requirement. The photogate must be blocked
twice within two seconds to obtain a valid reading, translating to a minimum speed of
0.31 rad/s.
Pulley (rev/s): Besides displaying in different units, this mode uses the display differently
than in the radians/second measurement. The display provides a real-time measurement of
the speed of the pulley by updating once per second. Once a speed is displayed, press the
Start/Stop key to freeze the display. The Smart Timer indicates that the measurement is
frozen by displaying a “!” in the first column. Press Start/Stop to erase the “!” and start
collecting new measurements. Any time the first column is blank or has a “!” displayed,
the type of measurement being done can be changed by pressing the Select
Measurement or Select Mode keys. To move to a different measurement, press Start/
Stop again. Like the radians/second measurement, there is a two-second maximum time
for two photogate blocks, translating to a minimum speed of 0.05 rev/s. Also note that
accuracy decreases rapidly as pulley speeds increase above 600 rpm. At 600 rpm,
accuracy is 1%.
Acceleration Modes
One Gate: The Smart Timer uses the time measurement between two equally spaced (5
cm) block/unblock/block sequences to calculate average acceleration. In activities using
the Smart Timer Picket Fence, the Picket Fence must be positioned so that the photogate
blocks only the 3-bar segment (5cm fence) of the Picket Fence. Note that the Smart Timer
is able to discern between acceleration (positive number) and deceleration (negative
number).
Linear Pulley: In this mode, the Smart Timer converts rotary motion of a PASCO pulley
to an equivalent linear acceleration in cm/s2.
Angular Pulley: In this mode, the Smart Timer converts rotary motion of a PASCO
pulley to an equivalent angular acceleration in rad/s2.
Two Gates: When two photogates are placed an arbitrary distance apart, the average
acceleration between the two can be calculated. In this mode, the inputs used are not
arbitrary. The first photogate to be encountered must be connected to input #1 and the
second to input #2.
Count Modes:
30 Seconds: The timed 30-second count mode will count high-to-low voltage transitions
on either input and display them on the second line of the liquid crystal display. After the
counting period is over, the Smart Timer will beep once, remove the power to the external
device, and freeze the display. Pressing Start/Stop erases the old count and begins a new
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012–06734A Smart Timer
timing interval. If you wish to stop the count during a timing interval, press Start/
Stop. The display will freeze the current count and the “*” will disappear from the
first column. At this time you may select a new measurement or start a new timing
interval. The maximum counting rate for any of the counting modes is 5,000 counts
per second and the maximum count is 9,999,999.
60 Seconds: Other than timing the count interval for 60 seconds, the 60-second count
mode is the same as the 30-second mode.
5 Minutes: Other than timing the count interval for 5 minutes, the 5-minute count mode
is the same as the 30-second mode
Manual: Manual mode will count high-to-low voltage transitions on either input and
display them on the second line of the liquid crystal display. There is no time limit for
counting, however the upper limit on the number of total counts is still 9,999,999. Each
count will be accompanied by a short beep. Used with a PASCO SN-7927 G-M Tube/
Power Supply, this mode is useful for group demonstrations to show the random nature
of atomic disintegration and the inverse-square relationship between number of
disintegration’s detected and distance from the radioactive source.
Test Mode
Gates: In the Test:Gates measurement, the external measuring accessory is powered as
long as the top line of the display reads Test:Gates. This mode is useful for experiment
setup or for testing accessory photogates, G-M tubes, or other Smart Timer accessories.
Pressing the Select Measurement key will exit the test mode and remove power to the
external device. The display graphics depict a blocked photogate as a vertical line and an
unblocked photogate as an arrow.
Timing Diagrams
The timing diagrams on pages 8 and 9 show the interval, t, that is measured in each
timing mode. In each diagram, an elevated line corresponds to the photogate being
blocked, and a depressed line corresponds to the photogate being unblocked. The
calculation modes assume the use of a fence of fixed width (1 cm or 5 cm) or a pulley
having a diameter (groove to groove) of 4.8 cm and 10 spokes, such as the Super Pulley
or Smart Pulley.
LOCK Switch
The internal LOCK switch provides a way to temporarily lock
out speed and acceleration modes. To access the LOCK
switch, turn the power off, and remove the bottom half of the
Smart Timer case as if you were going to replace the batteries.
Look along the lower edge of the printed circuit board, and LOCK switch
circuit board
note the LOCK switch button at the edge (Figure 3). The circuit
board also has the words “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” printed
along the same edge. Moving the switch to the LOCK position Figure 3
will cause the display to read MODE UNAVAILABLE Location of the LOCK switch on the circuit
whenever speed or acceleration modes are selected. board.
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
Specifications
Resolution: The basic timing resolution of the Smart Timer is 100 microseconds in all
modes except Stopwatch, which is 10 ms.
Calculated Values: Calculated values are displayed to one or two decimal places with
typical accuracy being +/- 1 in the least significant digit. For extremely high speeds (such
as might be generated by hand spinning a Super Pulley), accuracy is degraded for
calculated parameters because of the very short timing intervals involved.
Maximum Output Power: The Smart Timer allows many different accessories to be
used as inputs. The total 5-volt load (both inputs added together) that can be
accommodated is 180 mA, maximum.
Accessory Options
The following PASCO accessories are available to help extend the utility of the Smart
Timer. See the current PASCO catalog for more information.
Accessory Photogate (ME-9204B): The stereo phone plug of the Accessory Photogate
plugs into either of the phone jacks on the side of the Smart Timer, giving you the option
of two identical photogates operating from a single timer. (Some of the experiments in
this manual require the use of a Smart Timer with two Accessory Photogates.)
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Free Fall Adapter (ME-9207B): The Free Fall Adapter facilitates easy and accurate
measurements of the acceleration of gravity. It comes with everything you need,
including two steel balls (of different size and mass), a release mechanism, and a receptor
pad. The release mechanism and the receptor pad automatically trigger the Smart Timer,
so you get more accurate measurements of the free fall time of the steel ball. See page 34
(Determining the acceleration due to gravity (g) with the Free Fall Adapter and Figure
10.1) for details of the setup.
G-M Tube/Power Supply (SN-7927): The G-M Tube Power Supply is a Geiger-Muller
Probe that senses beta, gamma, and alpha radiation. See page 34 (Counting radiation
with the G-M Tube/Power Supply and Figure 11.1) for details of the setup.
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Purpose
The purpose is to determine the acceleration due to the Earth’s gravity.
Theory
The accepted value for the acceleration due to gravity on the Earth’s surface is 9.8 m/s2.
With the Smart Timer, the acceleration due to Earth’s gravity can be quickly determined
experimentally. The acceleration may be calculated from measurements of distance and
time, or it can be measured directly.
To calculate the acceleration from time measurements, the following formula must be used:
g = ∆v = 12
v – v1
∆t 2 t2 The 5 cm fence should
block the photogate
where beam.
Picket Fence must
v1 = 5cm and v2 = 5cm be dropped at a
t1 t2 – t1
90º angle.
∆t = 1 2 t 1 + 1 2 (t 2 – t 1)
= 1 2 t1 + 1 2 t2 – 1 2 t1
∆t = 1 2 t 2
t1 t2
Photogate
V1 V2
Smart Timer
Picket Fence
∆t
To Smart Timer
Figure 1.1 channel 1 or 2
Explanation of why ½t2 is used in the formula for calcu-
lating g
Procedure
PART A—Determining the acceleration from time and
distance measurements
1. Mount the photogate on a stand, or hold the Photogate
steady so it is parallel to the floor, as shown in
Figure 1.2
Figure 1.2.
Experiment setup
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
2. Insert the plug of the photogate into channel 1 or 2 of the Smart Timer, and set up the
Smart Timer to measure Time, Fence.
3. Hold the Smart Timer Picket Fence in a position so it will drop vertically through the
photogate and so the 5 cm fence will block the photogate beam as the fence drops
through the photogate.
Questions
1. How do the two methods for determining the acceleration on a body due to Earth’s
gravity compare?
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Purpose
The purpose is to verify Newton’s Second Law, F = ma.
Theory
Newton’s Second Law, F = ma, is a description of the relationship between F, the net force
acting on the object of mass m, and a, the resulting acceleration of the object. For a cart of
mass m1 on a horizontal track with a string attached over a pulley to a mass m2 (see Figure
2.1), the net force F on the entire system (cart and hanging mass) is the weight of hanging
mass, F = m2g, assuming that friction is negligible.
According to Newton’s Second Law, this net force should be equal to ma, where m is the
total mass that is being accelerated, which in this case is m1 + m2. This experiment will
check to see if m2g is equal to (m1 + m2)a.
Procedure
1. Level the track by setting the cart on the track to see which way it rolls. Adjust the
leveling screw at the end of the track to raise or lower that end until the cart placed at
rest on the track will not move toward either end.
2. Use the balance to find the mass of the Dynamics Cart and record the mass in Table 2.1.
3. Attach the Super Pulley to the end of the track as shown in Figure 2.1.
4. Connect the Photogate to the Smart Timer, and adjust the Photogate so that when the
pulley turns, the spokes of the pulley will block the photogate beam.
Photogate
Bracket
m1
Adjustable
End Stop
Super IDS Track
Pulley
m2
Figure 2.1
Mass Hanger and Mass Experiment setup to determine the acceleration of the masses
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
5. Place the Dynamics Cart on the track, attach a string to the hole in the end of the cart,
and tie a mass hanger on the other end of the string. The string must be just long enough
so the cart hits the end stop before the mass hanger reaches the floor.
6. Pull the cart back until the mass hanger reaches the pulley. Make a test run to determine
how much mass is required on the mass hanger so that the cart takes about 2 seconds to
complete the run. Record the hanging mass in Table 2.1.
Note: Use masses of between 50 and 100 g, and be sure that the runs are not
longer than 2 seconds.
8. Pull the cart back until the mass hanger reaches the pulley. Release the cart from rest,
and activate the Smart Timer once the car has started moving. (The timing will begin
when the photogate beam is first blocked.) Repeat this measurement 3 times with the
same masses. Record all the values in Table 2.1. Calculate the average accelerations and
record in Table 2.1.
9. Increase the mass of the cart using the bar mass and repeat the procedure.
Analysis
1. Calculate the measured force F = (m1 + m2)a and record in Table 2.1.
3. Calculate the percent difference of the theoretical force vs. the measured force and
record in Table 2.1.
Questions
1. Did the results of this experiment verify that F = ma? Explain.
2. Why is the mass in F = ma not just equal to the mass of the cart?
3. When calculating the force on the cart using mass times gravity, why isn’t the mass of
cart included?
4. Discuss the impact on the results of assuming the frictional force to be zero.
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Theory
When two carts collide with each other, the total momentum ( p = mv ) of both carts is
conserved regardless of the type of collision. An elastic collision is one in which the two
carts bounce off of each other with no loss of kinetic energy—accomplished in this
experiment, through the use of the carts’ magnetic bumpers. A completely inelastic collision
is one in which the two carts hit and stick to each other—accomplished in this experiment
using the Velcro patches on one end of each cart.
Procedure
PART A: Inelastic Collisions
1. Level the track by setting a cart on the track to see which way it rolls. Adjust the
leveling screw at the end of the track to raise or lower that end until a cart placed at rest
on the track will not move.
2. Put a Picket Fence into the slots in the top of each cart and place the Collision Carts so
the Velcro patches face each other. Position the two photogates just far enough apart so
the collision can take place between the photogates. Adjust the height of the photogate
so the 1 cm fence will block the photogate beams. Connect the photogates to the Smart
Timer (see Figure 3.1).
to channel 1
to channel 2
of the Smart
of the Smart
Timer
Adjustable 1 cm flag Timer 1 cm flag
Photogate 2
End Stop
leveling
Smart Timer Picket Fence
foot
photogate brackets
Figure 3.1
Experiment setup for Conservation of Momentum experiments
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
3. Set up the Smart Timer to measure Speed: collision (cm/s). Press to activate the
Smart Timer.
➤ Note: If the flags of both carts do not go through the photogate beams
twice, the Smart Timer will not complete the timing cycle and display velocities
automatically. You will need to push to stop timing. The completed timing
measurements will be displayed, and the uncompleted measurements will be
registered as 0. Press or to view the velocities from photogate 2. You can
scroll back and forth between the displayed velocities from photogates 1 and 2
by pressing either of these keys. Press to reactivate the Speed: collision
(cm/s) mode or to change modes.
Equal Masses
a. Place one cart at rest in the middle of the track. Give the other cart an initial
velocity toward the cart at rest.
b. Start both carts at one end of the track. Give the first cart a slow velocity and the
second cart a faster velocity so that the second cart catches the first cart.
Unequal Masses
Put two mass bars in one of the carts so that the mass of one cart (3M) is approximately
three times the mass of the other cart (1M). (Weigh the carts and record the masses in
Table 3.1.)
a. Place the 1M cart at rest in the middle of the track. Give the 3M cart an initial
velocity toward the cart at rest.
b. Start the carts at opposite ends of the track at approximately the same speed
toward each other.
c. Place both carts at one end with the 1M in front of 3M. Give 3M a slightly
greater velocity than 1M so the carts collide between the photogates.
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Analysis
1. For each of the cases, calculate the momentum of each cart before the collision. Record
the results in Table 3.2.
2. For each of the cases, calculate the total momentum of both carts before the collision.
Record the results in Table 3.2.
3. For each of the cases, calculate the total momentum of both carts after the collision.
Record the results in Table 3.2.
4. For each of the cases, calculate the percent difference between the total momentum of
the carts before and after the collision and record in the table.
Questions
PTOTAL PTOTAL % of
p1 Before p2 Before
Before After Difference
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
Trial 5
1. When two carts moving toward each other have the same mass and the same speed,
they stop when they collide and stick together. What happens to each cart’s
momentum? Is momentum conserved? Explain.
2. Kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions. For one of the collisions,
calculate the percentage of the kinetic energy that is lost in the collision. Where does
this energy go?
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
Equal Masses
a. Place one cart at rest in the middle of the track. Give the other cart an initial
velocity toward the cart at rest.
b. Start both carts at opposite ends of the track at approximately the same speed.
Unequal Masses
Put two mass bars in one of the carts so that the mass of one cart (3M) is approximately
three times the mass of the other cart (1M). (Weigh the carts and record the masses in
Table 3.3.)
a. Place the 3M cart at rest in the middle of the track. Give the 1M cart an initial
velocity toward the cart at rest.
b. Start the carts at opposite ends of the track at approximately the same speed
toward each other.
c. Start cars at the same end, with the 3M car ahead of and moving slower than the
1M car.
M1 M2 v1 v2 FINAL v1 FINAL v2
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
Trial 5
Trial 6
Trial 7
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012–06734A Smart Timer
p1 p2 PTOTAL PTOTAL % of
p1 After p2 After
Before Before Before After Difference
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
Trial 5
Trial 6
Trial 7
Questions
1. Kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions but it is conserved in ideal elastic
collisions. For one of the collisions, calculate the percentage of the kinetic energy that
is lost in the collision. Was kinetic energy conserved? Explain your results.
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to find the rotational inertia of a ring and a disk
experimentally and to verify that these values correspond to the calculated theoretical values.
Theory
Theoretically, the rotational inertia, I, of a ring about its center of mass is given by:
I = 1 M(R1 2 + R2 2)
2 R1 R2
where M is the mass of the ring, R1 is the inner radius of the ring, and R2
is the outer radius of the ring. See Figure 4.1a.
The rotational inertia of a disk about its center of mass (Figure 4.1b) is
given by:
I = 1 MR 2 Figure 4.1a
2
Definition of R1 and R2 of a ring
where M is the mass of the disk and R is the radius of the disk. The
rotational inertia of a disk about its diameter (Figure 4.1c) is given by:
I = 1 M R2
4
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
To find the rotational inertia experimentally, a known torque is applied to the object and the
resulting angular acceleration is measured. Since t = Ia,
τ
I = α
where a is the angular acceleration, which is equal to a/r, and t is the torque caused by the
weight hanging from the thread that is wrapped around the base of the apparatus.
τ = rT
where r is the radius of the 3-Step Pulley about which the thread is wound and T is the
tension in the thread when the apparatus is rotating.
Applying Newton’s Second Law for the hanging mass, m, gives (See Figure 4.2)
Σ F = mg – T = ma
Smart Pulley
T
rotational
disk
a
"A" base
hanging mg
mass
Figure 4.2
Rotational Apparatus and Free-Body Diagram
T =mg–a
Once the linear acceleration of the mass (m) is determined, the torque and the angular
acceleration can be obtained for the calculation of the rotational inertia.
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Setup
1. Place the disk directly on the center shaft as shown in Figure 4.3. The side of the disk
that has the indentation for the ring should be up.
3. Mount the Smart Pulley to the base and connect it to channel 1 or 2 of the Smart Timer.
Procedure
Measurements for the Theoretical Rotational Inertia
1. Weigh the ring and disk to find their masses and record these masses in Table 4.1.
2. Measure the inside and outside diameters of the ring and calculate the radii R1 and R2.
Record in Table 4.1.
3. Measure the diameter of the disk and calculate the radius R and record it in Table 4.1.
Mass of Ring
Mass of Disk
Inner Radius of Ring
Outer Radius of Ring
Radius of Disk
2. Tie several paper clips onto the string that hangs over the Smart Pulley.
4. Adjust the hanging mass (number of paper clips) until the speed remains constant.
6. Repeat for each setup below: ring and disk combined, disk alone, and disk vertical.
2. Find the acceleration of the ring and disk using a hanging mass of about 50 g. Wind the
thread up and let the mass fall. Record the acceleration (press ) when the mass has
fallen about 1/3 of the total fall distance (to minimize the effect of friction). Repeat at
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
least three times and record the average values for weight of the hanging mass and
acceleration in Table 4.2.
3. Using calipers, measure the diameter of the pulley about which the thread is wrapped
and calculate the radius.
4. Since in step 2, the disk is rotating as well as the ring, it is necessary to determine the
acceleration and the rotational inertia of the disk by itself. This rotational inertia can be
subtracted from the total, leaving only the rotational inertia of the ring. To do this, take
the ring off the rotational apparatus and repeat step 2 using a hanging mass of
approximately 30 g.
5. Remove the disk from the shaft and rotate it up on its side. Mount the disk vertically by
inserting the shaft in one of the two “D”-shaped holes on the edge of the disk. See
Figure 4.4.
rotational disk
“D” hole of
rotational disk
rotating shaft
“A” base
Figure 4.4
Disk mounted vertically
Friction Mass
Hanging Mass
Hanging Mass
Friction Mass
Acceleration (a)
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Calculations
Record the results of the following calculations in Table 4.3.
1. Subtract the “friction mass” from the hanging mass used to accelerate the apparatus to
determine the mass, m, to be used in the equations.
2. Calculate the experimental value of the rotational inertia of the ring and disk together.
3. Calculate the experimental value of the rotational inertia of the disk alone.
4. Subtract the rotational inertia of the disk from the total rotational inertia of the ring and
disk.
Note: This calculation will be the rotational inertia of the ring alone.
5. Calculate the experimental value of the rotational inertia of the disk about its diameter.
7. Calculate the theoretical value of the rotational inertia of the disk about its center of
mass and about its diameter.
8. Use a percent difference to compare the experimental values to the theoretical values.
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Smart Timer
Picket Fence Sma
rt Tim
er Pick
et Fen
ce
Photogate Dynamics
Head Cart
To Smart Timer
Photogate
mounting
bracket
Figure 5.1
Setup for the Acceleration Down an Incline Experiment
Photogate
• Simple Harmonic Oscillator To Smart Timer Head
(Experiment 3): ME-9471 Super Pulley
Use a Photogate and the Smart spring Picket Fence
Timer instead of a stop watch, and
use the ME-9471 Picket Fence
(part number 648-04704) , not the
Smart Timer Picket Fence (Figure
6.1). Set up the Smart Timer to
Mass and Hanger
measure Time, Pendulum. Press
to activate the Smart Timer to Figure 6.1
Setup for the Simple Harmonic Oscillator Experiment
measure the period of oscillation.
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Smart Timer 012–06734A
• Oscillations on an Incline
(Experiment 4):
Use a photogate and the Smart
Timer instead of a stop watch, and
use the ME-9471 Picket Fence ME-9471 spring
(part number 648-04704), not the Picket Fence
Figure 7.1
Setup for the Oscillations on an Incline Experiment
Note: The following experiment is in copy-ready form in the manual for the
Introductory Dynamics System with Computer Timing Kit (manual number
012-04894)
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Note: The following experiment is in copy-ready form in the manuals for the
Mini Launcher (manual number 012-05479) and the Ballistic Pendulum/
Projectile Launcher (manual number 012-05375)
Figure 8.1
Setup for the Projectile Motion Using Photogates Experiment
Note: The following experiment is in copy-ready form in the manual for the
Time of Flight Accessory (manual number 012-05088)
WEAR
SAFETY
GLASSES – SHORT RANGE
WHEN IN USE. ME-6800 PROJECTILE LAUNCHER
33
Smart Timer 012–06734A
ball release
• Determining the acceleration due mechanism
to gravity (g) with the controller box of the
Free Fall Adapter
Free Fall Adapter (ME-9207B)
Insert the plug of the Free Fall
Adapter into channel 1 or 2 of the
Smart Timer (Figure 10.1) Set up steel ball
the Stopwatch mode of the Smart
Timer. Press once. The Smart to Smart Timer
Timer is now activated and will channel 1 or 2 support rod
and base
record the time the interval
between the release of the ball and
the contact of the ball with the
receptor pad of the Free Fall receptor pad
Adapter.
Figure 10.1
Setup for determining the acceleration due to gravity with the
ME-9207B Free Fall Adapter.
To Smart Timer
• Counting radiation with the channel 1 or 2
Figure 11.1
Setup for counting radiation with the SN-7927 G-M Tube/Power Supply
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012–06734A Smart Timer
Technical Support
35