Falling Beam

Students predict the angular velocity of a meter stick that has rotated from the vertical position to the horizontal position. They derive an expression to predict the angular velocity for an arbitrary angle from the horizontal. Students collect data to verify their prediction. They modify the data to create a linear graph and compare the slope to their predicted slope.

Grade Level: High School

Subject: Physics

Student Files

Falling Beam 138.85 KB
Falling Beam 243.03 KB

Teacher Files

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Featured Equipment

Rotary Motion Sensor

Wireless Rotary Motion Sensor

The Wireless Rotary Motion Sensor measures angle, angular velocity, and angular acceleration, as well as their linear equivalents.

Pivot

Pivot

This Pivot is used as a fulcrum in meter stick torque and as a rotation device for rotational inertia experiments.

Meter Stick Torque Set

Meter Stick Torque Set

For torque experiments with a meter stick balance

Aluminum Meter Sticks (6 Pack)

Aluminum Meter Sticks (6 Pack)

These hollow aluminum meter sticks are rigid and straight.

Support

Many lab activities can be conducted with our Wireless, PASPORT, or even ScienceWorkshop sensors and equipment. For assistance with substituting compatible instruments, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.

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