Verification of fundamental principles of mechanics in the computerized student laboratory

Abstract

The new high standard of precision made possible by computerized data acquisition and analysis enables students to investigate many principles of mechanics that have heretofore not been feasible. In collision experiments on an air track, the motion of gliders can be followed in detail throughout the collision. The motion of the gliders may then be analyzed in order to study center-of-mass motion, action and reaction forces, force and the energy gradient, impulse and momentum change, and work and energy change. In addition, the force law between two magnets may be measured statically, and the result compared with that obtained by dynamic measurements.