The equipment for this experiment includes a PASCO force table with three super
ID: 1785930 • Letter: T
Question
The equipment for this experiment includes a PASCO force table with three super pulleys and three mass hangers attached with strings to the balance ring. A set of brass masses with 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 g masses allows variation in force, and a level for checking if the table’s surface is the horizontal is also provided.Does the length of string matter? If the balance ring is stationary but not centered, are the forces in equilibrium? If not, is this a violation of Newton’s First Law? If so, what is the importance of centering the ring on the axis of the table?
Explanation / Answer
In a force table, it is always preferred to have the balance ring close to center. Even if the balance ring is not centered, equilibrium can be achieved but only in some cases with some errors or uncertainities. However, Ideally we must make sure that ring is centered to achieve equilibrium. The ring should not touch the pin or rest against it. Newtons's first law is an example of equilibrium which states an object will stay in its current state unless an external force acts on it.
The biggest advantage of centering the ring on the table is that we can get accurate angles for string and pulley system from the edge of the table. If ring is not centered around the pin, then the angles which we read from the force table are not true angles. There is some level of uncertainity in the readings.
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