Rotational Dynamics Investigation Purpose: To experimentally determine the moment of inertia of a variable radius pulley. Method: 1.

Measure and record the radius to which the string is attached. 2. Wind up the pulley string. Hook a 20 gram mass to the end of the string. 3. Clock how long it takes the mass to fall a known distance, preferably in excess of 1 meter. Mathematical Analysis: 1. Sketch the pulley and draw the forces acting on the pulley on your sketch. 2. Draw an FBD for the 20 gram mass. 3. Apply Newtons 2nd law to the 20g mass. 4. Apply the rotational version of Newtons 2nd Law to the pulley. 5. Recall the relationship between the angular acceleration of a spinning object and the tangential acceleration of a point on its rim. 6. You should now have 3 equations and 3 unknowns. 7. Use your knowledge of linear kinematics and the distance-time data that you collected to determine the acceleration of the 20 g mass. 8. Use this acceleration to determine the moment of inertia of your pulley. Questions: 1. Would you obtain the same value of the moment of inertia of the pulley if the string were wrapped around a different radius on the pulley? Explain. 2. Imagine a variable radius pulley of equal mass and outer radius as the one you worked with today, only it is not hollow in the back, but solid throughout. Would it have a greater or smaller moment of inertia as the real one you worked with today? Explain.

APPC Laboratory Investigation: