Rolling Disc on Inclined Plane Model MT 162

The moment of inertia of a rolling object is the rotary analogy of mass and governs the rotary acceleration. It can be determined in three ways; by rolling, oscillation or direct calculation. All should ideally give the same result but the student can be introduced to differences caused by different experimental techniques A pair of rails form an inclined track for a disc rolling on a spindle through its centre. The inclination of the track can be readily altered by raising an end fitted with a height bar. Two discs are supplied each with different size and weight. This enables two moments of inertia to be used and calculated. The moments of inertia of the discs are determined from the time taken for the disc to roll down the slope. An alternative method for finding the moment of inertia is using an oscillating pendulum in which the disc spindles are supported on a knife edge and a pendulum is attached to the shaft. The moments of inertia are estimated from the periodic time of the assembly. Finally, the third method is direct measurement and calculation.

Size: 120cm x 40cm x 40cm (LxWxH)
Weight: 20 kg

Item Description

Features

  • Three experiments in one
  • Bench top
  • Moment of Inertia via rolling, oscillation, calculation
  • High Quality frame for rollers
  • Two rollers supplied
  • Accurate and visual experiment

The moment of inertia of a rolling object is the rotary analogy of mass and governs the rotary acceleration. It can be determined in three ways; by rolling, oscillation or direct calculation. All should ideally give the same result but the student can be introduced to differences caused by different experimental techniques A pair of rails form an inclined track for a disc rolling on a spindle through its centre. The inclination of the track can be readily altered by raising an end fitted with a height bar. Two discs are supplied each with different size and weight. This enables two moments of inertia to be used and calculated. The moments of inertia of the discs are determined from the time taken for the disc to roll down the slope. An alternative method for finding the moment of inertia is using an oscillating pendulum in which the disc spindles are supported on a knife edge and a pendulum is attached to the shaft. The moments of inertia are estimated from the periodic time of the assembly. Finally, the third method is direct measurement and calculation.

Technical Specifications

Specifications

  1. Length of plane = 1.5metres; working length 1.2metre
  2. Large disc: Ø150mm x 22.5(t) mm, Ø12.5mm shaft; 3.2kg (approximately)
  3. Small disc: Ø100mm x 20(t) mm, Ø12.5mm shaft; 1.3kg (approximately)
  4. Inclination: Up to 8° (degrees) Stopwatch and level
  5. Plane base
  6. Knife edge bracket
  7. Ø100mm rolling disc
  8. Ø150mm rolling disc
  9. Spirit level
  10. Stopwatch
  11. Tape measure
  12. Pendulum
  13. Graduated bar
  14. Instruction manual
  15. Test sheet

 

Experiment Possibilities

  1. Moment of Inertia
  2. Rolling
  3. Oscillation
  4. Rotary acceleration
  5. Rotary Machinery
  6. To determine and compare the moment of inertia of a disc by three methods:-

Motion down a plane

Oscillating pendulum

Direct calculation

Model Number

MT 162