Data from Inclined Air Track demo

 

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.
3A50.15 - Inclined Air Track - Damped Glider