OBJECT: To determine by means of vector diagrams the resultant of several concurrent forces and to check the accuracy of the result on a force table.
METHOD: Each student is assigned a problem. In this problem it is assumed that the magnitude and direction of certain forces acting on a body are known. The resultant and anti-resultant (equilibrant) of these given forces are determined both by graphical method and by the use of trigonometric relationships. The accuracy of the result is checked on a force table.
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OBJECT: To study the composition and resolution of concurrent forces as examples of vector quantities.
METHOD: Concurrent forces acting on a body are used as examples of vector quantities. These forces are represented by vectors. The resultant and equilibrant of several sets of such known forces are determined by both graphical and analytical methods. These results are tested on a force table as a check on the first condition for the equilibrium of a rigid body.
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OBJECT: To determine the values of the coefficient of kinetic friction and the coefficient of static friction for two particular surfaces.
METHOD: A loaded block is placed on a horizontal surface and the tractive force for each load, required to pull the block along the plane, is determined. These observations are plotted and the values of the coefficient of kinetic friction and the weight of the unloaded block are determined from the graph. The plane is then inclined so that the block slides down it without acceleration and the coefficient of kinetic friction redetermined from the angle the plane makes with the horizontal. The coefficient of static friction is determined in a similar manner. The block is placed on the plane, the plane is gradually elevated, the angle at which the block begins to slide is noted and this angle is used to determine the coefficient of static friction.
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OBJECT: To measure the ratio of the specific heats of air at constant pressure and constant volume according to the method of Clement and Desormes.
METHOD: A mass of dry air under a small pressure is enclosed in a large vessel having a gas tight valve. The valve is opened for an instant permitting the pressure to “become atmospheric” and causing the temperature to be reduced. After the valve is closed, the gas warms up to room temperature and the pressure increases. From a knowledge of the initial and final pressures, the ratio of the specific heats is obtained.
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OBJECT: To study the expansion of gases, to check Charles’ Law and to measure the temperature coefficient of pressure increase of dry air at Constant volume.
METHOD: Charles’ Law for the expansion of gases is studied by the use of a simple form of constant-volume air thermometer. A fixed volume of dry air is subjected to certain measured temperatures and the corresponding pressures observed. From the resultant pressure-temperature curve the temperature coefficient of pressure increase at constant volume is determined. By extrapolating this curve the value of “absolute zero” is determined approximately.
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OBJECT: To study the expansion of gases, to check Charles’ law and to measure the temperature coefficient of pressure increase of dry air at constant volume.
METHOD: Charles’ law for the expansion of gases is studied by the use of a simple form of constant-volume air thermometer. A fixed volume of dry air is subjected to certain measured temperatures and the corresponding pressures observed. From the resultant pressure-temperature curve the temperature coefficient of pressure increase at constant volume is determined. By extrapolating this curve the value of “absolute zero” is determined approximately.
Continue reading ‘Charles’ Law - Experiment One’
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