Asymmetric Oscillator
Purpose
Demonstrates coupled rotational and translational motion in an asymmetric system. Students observe how removing one mass from the angular acceleration machine creates two unstable equilibrium positions at different potential energies, illustrating center-of-mass effects on oscillation behavior.
Figure 1:
The asymmetric oscillator: angular acceleration machine with one arm mass removed, mounted on a wooden block and clamped to the bench. A string wound around the axle suspends a 200 g brass mass.
Demo Apparatus
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