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Rotational Inertia
In this lab we will use a small hanging weight to accelerate a pair of masses about their
axii of rotation. We'll use a stopwatch and a ruler to make measurements of the moment
of inertia in today's lab. As your pre-lab exercise, use torque and show that:

I = m r
2
[(g/2h) t
2
- 1]

Where:
I = moment of inertia of spinning object
m = the mass of the dropping weight
r = radius where the string is attached
g = value of free-fall acceleration
h = distance weight drops
t = time it takes for weight to drop

Purpose: To determine the rotational inertia of several objects by using conservation
of energy and some kinematics.

Equipment: Rotating stand, timer, hanging weights, pulley, objects to measure (hollow
ring and solid disk).

Procedure: 1) Set up the rotation stand as shown (either way is fine). You may need
to use a rubber pad or a support clamped across the table to keep the stand
from sliding on the tabletop.







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2) Data collection:
Set the system in motion with the hanging weight a measured distance
above the floor and record the time it takes for the weight to hit the floor.
Repeat for two additional hanging masses. Record the time in your table.

3) Calculations:
a) Carefully measure the r of rotation stand where the string attaches.
b) Use the relationship between I, and the time, r, height and hanging
mass you found in the pre-lab above to calculate I of the rotation stand.

4) a)Use a ruler and the scale to determine the moment of inertia of the
disk and cylinder. Take this to be the true value. Carefully estimate the
error in this measurement.
b) Repeat steps 2-3 with a solid disk on the rotation stand, a hollow
cylinder on the rotation stand, and both objects on the rotation stand.
If you subtract the value of the rotation stand from the values you get in 4)
you will get the moment of inertia for the disk, cylinder etc.. alone)

5) Write-up:
a) Record all of your data in a table like this the one below
b) Compare your experimentally determined moments of inertia with the
calculated values I
theory

c) The experimental number will be greater than the value determined via
measuring the mass and radius of the disk. Explain why.
d) Comment of differences and error sources



Exp Height Hanging
Mass
Time I
total
I
stand
I
object
I
theory
% diff
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10