Code Number: 3A50.15
Demo Title: Inclined Air Track - Damped Glider
Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics
Procedure:
Incline the air track by placing blocks under one end so that it is at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees. Connect one end of a coil spring to a glider and the other end to the air track. You may change the mass by using different mass gliders and you may also use a hoop spring if desired. Depending on angle and glider mass, it may take several minutes for observable damping to take place. This is most easily monitored by using a motion sensor.
References:
- Asif Shakur, Jeffrey Emmert, "Damped Oscillations With a Smart Cart", TPT, Vol. 57, #7, Oct. 2019, p. 490.
- Thomas B. Greenslade Jr., "Damped Simple Harmonic Motion on a Linear Air Track [Phys. Teach. 7, 395 (Oct. 1969)]", TPT, Vol. 42, #7, Oct. 2004, p. 440.
- N. Gauthier, "Viscous Damping and Restitution Coefficients for a Glider on an Inclined Linear Air Track", AJP, Vol. 48, #1, Jan. 1980, p. 79.