Securely clamp the inertia balance to a well-braced laboratory bench by means of a C-clamp. The platform with the hole should be used for supporting the load.

Use a stopwatch to determine the time for a given number of vibrations. Begin with a load of two 100 gram masses on the platform and determine the time for 100 vibrations. By using small amplitudes and waiting until several oscillations have occured before timing, there will be no slippage of the weights on the platform. Repeat, determining the time for 100 vibrations for loads of 3,4,5 and 6 weights.

Compute the period in seconds for each load and plot period against the weight of the corresponding load. Also, plot period squared against the corresponding load. Which curve is more nearly a straight line, and what conclusion can be drawn as to the relationship between mass and period?

Place the unknown mass in the hole of the platform and determine the period of the vibration. From the calibration curve, obtain the mass of the unknown and compare the value with that obtained by weighing the unknown on a balance.

Parts: Inertia balance
6-100 gram masses
Stopwatch

Purchased/Built: purchased

Setup Time: 1 hour

Quant. in Demo Room: 1

Source: Central Scientific