Brown University Physics 0030
Physics Department Lab 5
LAB 5: ANGULAR MOMENTUM
In this experiment we use a specially designed air table on which we cause the collisions
of a ball and a disk, and so observe the consequence of angular momentum conservation.
Notice as you read the description of the collision that it is inherently inelastic, so that the
kinetic energy will not be conserved through the collision. The kinetic energy does serve,
however, to define the initial state, in particular the velocity, and hence the initial angular
momentum. Since no external torques act on the system, the angular momentum is
conserved, in analogy with linear momentum conservation when no external forces act on
the system.
To elaborate on the analogy with linear momentum in one dimension, we are able to
define for rotational motion the quantities L , the angular momentum, and K, the
rotational kinetic energy. For the rotation of a rigid body about a fixed axis, the vector
nature of angular momentum is expressed by simply choosing clockwise rotations as
positive and counter-clockwise rotations as negative (or vice versa, if one prefers).
Notice the correspondence:
Translation Rotation
Velocity v
(1)
Momentum p=mv L=I
Kinetic Energy T=mv2/2P P
K=I2/2
P P
Here I is the moment of inertia, m the mass, v the linear velocity and the angular
velocity. The angular velocity is measured in radians/sec. The “rolling condition”, when
a body (e.g. a disk or ball) of radius r rolls or rotates without slipping, is that v=r.
Reference: Kestin and Tauc, University Physics, Volume 1, Chapter 8
EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS AND BASIS OF THE EXPERIMENT
A steel ball rolls from rest down a ramp to an air table, acquiring both rotational and
translational kinetic energy. Because of the curvature of the ramp at the bottom, the ball
leaves it horizontally, with a velocity that can be measured. (It can also be calculated, but
only approximately, from the change in potential energy.)
The ball then makes an inelastic collision with a steel disk free to rotate on the air table
(actually, it collides with a low-mass aluminum “catcher” attached to the disk). The ball
is locked to the catcher at some known distance from the axis of rotation of the disk.
Disk and ball now rotate together, with an angular velocity that can be measured with
reasonable precision. The experiment requires careful alignment (it e.g., the ball must
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enter the catcher perpendicular to the disk radius) to maintain the simplicity of the data
analysis. The experiment will be carried out for four values of initial angular momentum
Li. The apparatus is shown in Fig. 1.
B B
RAMP CATCHER DISK
CATCHER – DISK DETAIL. BALL CAUGHT
Fig. 1
THEORY OF THE COLLISION
If the ball of mass m leaves the ramp with a velocity vh, directed perpendicular to a disk B B
radius, and at a distance rm from the disk axis, its angular momentum will be LI=mvhrm
B B B B B B B B
(with respect to the disk axis) before collision. With the disk at rest before the collision,
this is the total initial angular momentum of the ball-disk-catcher system.
Notice that the angular momentum is a well-defined constant quantity at the time of the
collision even though no part of the ball-disk system is in rotation before the collision. If
we neglect the very slight influence of gravity on the ball as it moves from the ramp to
the catcher, the kinetic energy of the ball remains constant until it strikes the catcher. But
this quantity changes considerably as the ball collides and lodges in the catcher.
When it lodges in the catcher, the entire system of disk, ball and catcher will rotate with
an angular velocity f that depends on the moments of inertia of the ball, the catcher and
B B
the disk itself, with respect to the axis of rotation. Since angular momentum in any
system is conserved in the absence of external torques, the system's final angular
momentum is equal to its initial angular momentum.
Initial Angular Momentum = Final Angular Momentum
LI=Lf B B B
(2) Mvhrm = (Ib+Ic + Io) f .
B B B B B B B B B B B B
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Here Ib is the moment of inertia of the ball treated as a point mass rotating about the disk
B B
axis at a distance, rm, Ic is that of the catcher (treat as a rigid rod fixed at one end) and Io
B B B B B B
is that of the disk. (Refer to Chapter 9 of the Reference for details of these moments of
inertia.)
VELOCITY MEASUREMENTS
Two velocities are central to the ball-disk collision. The first is the velocity vh of the ball
B B
as it exits from the ramp and moves horizontally toward the disk. The second is f, the B B
angular velocity of the disk (with ball and catcher attached) after the ball collides with it.
INITIAL BALL VELOCITY
If the ball of mass m is released from rest at a particular height h above the ramp exit it
will roll and slide down, acquiring kinetic energy while losing energy to friction (see Fig.
2).
If it slid down without friction, all the kinetic energy would be translational and you
would expect its velocity to be calculable by equating the kinetic energy to the original
potential energy
1
(3) mv h2 mgh
2
and finding v h accordingly. If, at the other extreme, the ball never slid, but always rolled
B
down the ramp, then part of the potential energy mgh would be expended in rotating the
ball faster and faster down the ramp. At the ramp exit, the translational kinetic energy of
the ball would be less than that predicted from Eq. (3) when the ball started from height
h.
In fact, we have no plausible reason to believe that the ball either simply slides or simply
rolls down the ramp – it probably does both. What we can do is measure the exit speed
of the ball from the ramp when it is started from rest at some height h. By doing this
several times for a fixed value of h , we obtain a good measure of the velocity, the
average velocity bar v h for release height h, and can determine the uncertainty in the
B
velocity from the Standard Deviation of the measurements.
To make the individual measurements of v h , the ramp is oriented on the rotation table so
B
the horizontal exiting ball is directed out from the table to fall to the floor. A sheet of
white paper covered with carbon paper records the point of impact (be sure the white
paper's position stays fixed). Now the vertical length h from the ramp to the floor and
the horizontal distance l from the ramp to the mark made on the paper will yield the
velocity v h , as follows:
B
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At the point at which the ball leaves the ramp,
the horizontal component of its translational
velocity is v h , and the vertical component of
the velocity is zero. The time taken to reach
the floor at vertical distance y below the ramp
exit under the force of gravity (acceleration g)
1
is obtained from the equation h gt 2 . The
2
force of gravity has no effect on v h .
. .
Thus, the ball falls under the influence of
gravity for a time t 2h / g , . In this same
time it has moved horizontally a distance
l vh t so the initial velocity is found as Fig. 2
l
(4) vh l / t .
2h / g
from measurements of l and h . (You may want to refer back to Chapter 3, Section 4 of
the reference, on projectile motion.)
As mentioned above, repeated measurements are expected to show a spread in values as
well as providing a group for averaging. Remember that in addition to the usual
uncertainties, there is a good probability that the ball will slide and roll by different
amounts from trial to trial, and so a spread in trial values can be expected, beyond the
uncertainties in the measurement of l and h . The effect of all these variations will be
reflected in the Standard Deviation of the mean velocity, obtained in the usual way.
ANGULAR VELOCITY OF THE DISK
This angular velocity is simple to obtain on the rotation tables, because the disks used
contain alternate black and white bars completely around the circumference. The table
includes an optical detector that produces a pulse each time a black bar passes it. The
pulses are counted for a fixed amount of time (one second in our case) and then displayed
digitally. Thus, the counter reads the number of black bars per second passing the
detector, which can be used to derive the angular velocity of the disk, as discussed below.
The digital display is updated each second, when a new count of black bars passing is
completed. In the conditions of the current experiment, we would expect only a small
change (decrease) in the bar count caused by friction, since no other forces act after
collision.
To obtain an angular velocity from the “bar frequency" reading shown on the counter, we
use the fact that the black and white bars are each one millimeter wide. Therefore, one
count on the digital display corresponds to two bars (one black and one white) or two
mm/sec of disk circumference sweeping past the optical reader. More generally, a bar
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frequency of N showing on the counter corresponds to the disk circumference sweeping
past the detector at a linear speed s, equal to 2N mm/sec. But this linear speed of the
circumference is simply s=R, where R is the radius of the disk and omega is the angular
velocity. Therefore
s 2N
(5) f radians/sec,
R R
where N is the counter reading and R the disk radius. Note that the radius should be
measured in millimeters to use the relation in this form (because the 2 in the numerator
has millimeter units).
PROCEDURE
Begin by measuring the steel disk radius, the mass of the steel ball, the catcher length,
and values of rm. Work out the moments of inertia. Formulas for moments of inertia for
B
bodies of various standard shapes are given in the reference. (Young, Chapter 9) Do not
take apart the apparatus – the masses of the catcher and disk have been carefully
measured and are recorded on the air table.
Level the air table carefully. Notice that, with the triangular arrangement of the screws,
the two parallel to one side will control leveling in a direction parallel to that side. Then
the single remaining screw will adjust the leveling in a direction perpendicular to that
side.
NOTE THE FOLLOWING IN USING DISKS ON THE AIR TABLE: DO NOT
ROTATE THE DISKS AGAINST EACH OTHER OR ROTATE THEM ON THE
TABLE WITHOUT APPLYING THE COMPRESSED AIR THAT SEPARATES THE
COMPONENTS. SERIOUS WEAR AND ABRASION CAN OCCUR UNLESS THE
SUPPORTING AIR LAYERS ARE IN MAINTAINED.
Because of a height limitation in the apparatus, it will be necessary to use two disks. The
bottom (steel) disk will be held tightly by tape and serves only as a spacer. The top
(steel) disk is free to rotate. Place both disks on the table, and attach the ball catcher.
The ball catcher should be mounted so it fits snugly over the top steel disk; this increases
the lift of the air supporting the disk. Turn on the air supply and test that the parts turn
freely. The filter-regulator of the air supply (separate from the table) should be set for 9
psi 1 for this experiment; have the instructor adjust this setting if necessary. Then fix the
TPF FPT
lower disk against rotation and retest the upper disk and catcher.
Now test the operation of launching a steel ball down the ramp and over to the catcher.
There are a number of variables to consider. The ramp and catcher should, of course, be
positioned so that the ball arrives perpendicular to the catcher. If the ramp is too far from
the catcher, the ball may drop slightly after leaving the ramp, and so not enter the catcher
1
TP PT psi: Pounds per square inch
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reliably. A ball may be caught reliably when launched from one height and not be caught
when launched from another height.
Most such problems, when they occur, result from poor alignment and tightening of the
mechanical parts, or an incorrect air flow. Your lab instructor will help you here. In an
extreme case, it may be necessary to adjust the height or angle of the ramp by strips of
tape under its base. Trial and error, and practice, will achieve the desired results!
The apparatus is working correctly when you can launch a ball and catch it on the disk
from two positions on the ramp--the full height of the ramp, and half this height. The
specified heights are “nominal", but whichever two you choose will be repeated exactly
at several times during your experiment. Therefore you will need to devise a system
(pencil mark, tape) that makes these launch points repeatable.
Now position the ramp at the edge of the rotation table to make the “range”
measurements that give the launch velocities (Fig. 2 and Eq. (4)). (Note that there are
two velocities, one corresponding to the “full ramp height” position, and the other to the
“half-height” starting position). A dry run will be necessary to find the floor position at
which to place the carbon and white paper “sandwich” that will mark the landing points
for each of the two velocities. Sufficient measurements (at least 4) should be taken for
each mean velocity determination, to give you an estimate of the precision with which the
mean has have been measured (the standard deviation of the mean).
Finally, with the ramp returned to the position for launching into the catcher, at least two
launches should be made from each of the two starting positions on the ramp. For each
starting position, each collision into the catcher should be made at a different radius rm, so
the initial angular momentum (Li=mvhrm) varies. The final angular momentum
B B B B B B
Lf=(Ib+Ic+Io) f follows by recording the counter reading, from which the angular
B B B B B B B B
velocity f is deduced (Eq. (5)), and multiplying f by the sum of moments of inertia of
B B B B
disk, catcher and ball, all rotating about the disk axis.
DATA
The data to be taken as described above is summarized below, along with the quantities
to be determined from the measurements. All data and quick check calculations should
be done directly in the notebook. You will have four different values of Li and Lf, B B B B
corresponding to two values of rm for each of two values of h. For each of these values of
B
Li, the average of four measurements of vh is used. For each value of Lf, the average of
B B B B B B
five values of N (automatically updated every second) is used to determine f. B B
1. Determine Moments of Inertia Ib, Ic and Io from measurements of the masses of ball,
B B B B B B
catcher and disk, rm, and the dimensions of catcher and disk. (In this setup, Ib is the
B B B B
moment of inertia of the ball at rm rotating about the disk axis, not around its own
B B
radius or diameter. Therefore Ib depends on rm.) B B B B
2. Velocity measurements
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a) Starting the ball from a marked position about halfway up the ramp, make at
least four independent measurements of launch velocity vh , determined from x B B
and y measurements by using Eq. (4). Calculate v h v h for this launch
height. Be sure the paper on which the distance is recorded remains in place
during the launch. Measure and record h and each l .
b) Starting the ball from a second marked position near the top of the ramp,
repeat the measurements of part (a).For at least two values of rm, determine B B
the angular velocity f from measurement of counts N, using Eq. (5). Record
B B
at least 5 successive readings of N as the rotation proceeds, as there are can be
fluctuations.
3. Collision measurements
a) Position the ramp so the ball is caught about halfway out of the length of the
catcher. Measure this distance rm. Roll the ball from each of the two marked B B
positions on the ramp. Each time the ball is caught record at least 5 successive
readings of N as the rotation proceeds, as there are can be fluctuations.
Calculate N N .
b) Position the ramp so the ball is caught out near the end of the catcher. Measure
this distance rm. Repeat the steps rolling the ball as in part (a).
B B
.
CALCULATIONS
Calculate the initial angular momentum of the system, Li mvh rm for each combination
of v h and rm (at least 4 combinations). For each value of Li include its uncertainty
B B
(derived from the uncertainty for vh). [Reminder if A const x then A const x ]
B B
For each of the combinations of vh and rm (at least 4), calculate the final angular
B B B B
momentum of the system, Lf=(Ib+Ic+Io) f. To calculate f, use Eq. (5) with the average
B B B B B B B B B B B B
of your values of N for that case. For each value of L f include its uncertainty (derived
from the uncertainty determined for N).
For each case, calculate ( Li L f ) / Li .
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Compare the initial and final angular momenta in each case. Discuss the results
especially with reference to the spread in repeated measurements of v h and the repeated
readings of N, assuming the other quantities are constant. Is this assumption valid?
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Consider the uncertainties in m and rm , and in I; are they relatively small compared to
B B
the uncertainties you determined for vh and N ?
B B
Have you demonstrated the conservation of angular momentum within the limits of your
experimental uncertainties? What systematic effects might have caused any differences?
How might they have been reduced?
You made at least four tests of angular momentum conservation, with two different ball
velocities and two different radii of the ball about the axis of rotation. Rank the tests in
the order in which you expect the results to be most accurate, and explain the reasons for
this ranking. Compare the expected rank with your actual results.
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