Schematic of system
(Click figure to enlarge)
Three-string torsional pendulum
Features
Optical rail for simple adjustments
High accuracy
Affordable
Introduction
Moment of inertia is a physical quantity for the representation of the inertial amount of a rotational object. It is dependent on the mass distribution and the shaft position of the rigid body.
This apparatus uses the three-string pendulum method to determine the moment of inertia of a rigid body. A photoelectric sensor combined with a time counting device is used to measure the torsional oscillation period of a hanging plate. Through the experiments, students can understand the physical principle of the moment of inertia and learn the measurement method with factors related to the amount of moment of inertia.
Using this apparatus, the following experiments can be conducted:
1. Measure the moment of inertia using the three-string pendulum method
2. Measure the moment of inertia of two objects of same mass but with different mass distribution
3. Verify the parallel axis theorem of moment of inertia
The instruction manual contains experimental configurations, principles, step-by-step instructions, and examples of experiment results. Please click Experiment Theory and Contents to find more information about this apparatus.
Specifications
| Description | Specifications |
| String Length of the Pendulum | > 500 mm |
| Timing Resolution | 1 ms |
| Preset Count Number | < 66 |
| Specimen | small cylinder (2), circular disc (1), circular ring (1) |
Part List
| Description | Qty |
| Main Unit | incl base, slider, hanging arm, hanging disc, starting disc, pendulum strings |
| Laser Diode | 1 |
| Receiver | 1 |
| Counting Timer | 1 |
| Connection Wire | 2 |
| Circular Lever | 1 |
| Cylindrical Specimen | 2 |
| Disc Specimen | 1 |
| Ring Specimen | 1 |
| Manual | 1 |
Schematic of system
(Click figure to enlarge)
Three-string torsional pendulum
