Angular Acceleration Machine
Purpose
Demonstrates that mass distribution, not just total mass, determines angular acceleration. Students compare the acceleration when the arm weights are close to the shaft versus out at the ends, directly illustrating \(\tau = I\alpha\).
Figure 1:
Angular acceleration machine clamped to the bench edge. The movable brass weights on the arms can be repositioned to change the moment of inertia. A hanging mass on a string wrapped around the shaft provides constant torque.
Demo Apparatus
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