2-D MOTION ON AIR TABLE

Objective:

a) To validate the kinematic equations of motion derived from Newton’s Law, namely:

i. the speed, v, of a moving object is constant if there is no external force acting on it

and is equal to the distance divided by time (v = s/t)

ii. a constant force on an object will produce a constant acceleration (F = ma)

b) To validate the law of conservation of momentum by collision of two bodies.

Theory:
Kinematic Equations of Motion
Newton’s First Law states that a body in motion tends to stay in motion at a constant speed if
there is no external force acting on it. On a two dimensional plane, a constant speed, c, is defined
by a constant displacement, s, over a constant unit of time, t, i.e.

c = s/t

Newton’s Second Law states that an object subjected to a constant force will experience a constant
acceleration. On a two dimensional plane, a constant force, F, acting on a body of mass, m, will
produce a constant acceleration, a, i.e. F = ma

Law of Conservation of Momentum

Whenever two bodies collide with each other, the phenomenon of collision take place as given
below:

a) Two bodies will separate and move with its own final velocity.

Consider a body of mass m1 is moving with initial velocity u1 collides with a second body of mass m2
and moving long the straight line with initial velocity u2. Let v1 and v2 to be final velocities of first and
second body immediately after the impact. From the law of conservation of momentum states that,
the total momentum of two bodies’ remains constant after their collision or any other mutual action.
𝑚1 𝑢1 + 𝑚2 𝑢2 = 𝑚1 𝑣1 + 𝑚2 𝑣2

b) Two bodies will stick or combine into one body and move with common velocity.

Bodies may collide in such a way that one penetrates the other and permanently deform it and the
both move on together with a common velocity.

From the law of conservation of momentum, the momentum before impact is remaining unchanged
after impact. Therefore,

𝑚1 𝑢1 + 𝑚2 𝑢2 = (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 )𝑉

Page 0
 Apparatus:

Air cushion table with the following accessories:-

a. two sliding mass complete with wiring harness

b. deflection pulley attachment
c. one 50g weight cum hanger assembly
d. one recording switch
e. inelastic rings

Power

Recording
switch

Metallised
paper roll

Figure 1 Apparatus (Air cushion table)

Motor switch

Figure 2 Apparatus (Sliding mass)

Page 1
Procedure:

1st Stage

1. A new set of recording paper is rolled out on to the air cushion table.

2. A sliding mass is placed on the recording paper and is connected to the cantilever
supply point using electrical harness. The frequency recording is set to f = 10 Hz.

3. The recording switch device is attached and the motor is switch on.

4. The sliding mass is moved to one corner of the table and is then given a gentle push
to move it parallel to the near side it. The sliding mass moved toward the other end
and is rebound off the rubber bands. The recording switch is then depressed as the
sliding mass is about 20 mm from the edge until it reaches the other end.

5. The trace is mark as Trace A

6. Steps 2 to 4 is repeated with f = 50Hz and the trace is mark as Trace B

Note: The trace records both displacement (distance) and time.

2nd Stage

7. The frequency selector is switch to f = 50 Hz.

8. The roller attachment is attached close to the other side.

9. The slider mass is connected to the weight hanger (and weight) and a string is run
over the roller.

10. The sliding mass is moved to the opposite end.

11. As the sliding mass is released the recording switch is also simultaneously depressed.
The switched is kept depressed till the sliding mass is about to contact the rubber
bands at the other end. The trace is marked as Trace C.
3rd Stage
12. The second sliding mass is placed on the recording paper and the sliding mass is
connected to the cantilever supply point using the electrical harness. The frequency
recording selector switch is set to f = 10Hz.

13. The sliding mass is moved to one corner of the table and is then given a gentle push
to move it parallel to the near side it. The sliding mass moved toward the other end
and is rebound off the rubber bands. The recording switch is then depressed as the
sliding mass is about 20 mm from the edge until it reaches the other end. The second
sliding mass is placed in line with direction of motion of the first sliding mass so that
both the mass will collide.

14. The trace is mark as Trace D, the traces is identified for before for mass 1 and after
collision for mass 1 and mass 2

Page 2
4th Stage
15. Inelastic ring is placed on both the sliding mass. The second sliding mass is placed on
the recording paper and the sliding mass is connected to the cantilever supply point
using the electrical harness. The frequency recording selector switch is set to f = 10Hz.

16. The sliding mass is moved to one corner of the table and is then given a gentle push
to move it parallel to the near side it. The sliding mass moved toward the other end
and is rebound off the rubber bands. The recording switch is then depressed as the
sliding mass is about 20 mm from the edge until it reaches the other end. The second
sliding mass is placed in line with direction of motion of the first sliding mass so that
both the mass will collide.

17. The trace is mark as Trace E, the traces is identified for before for mass 1 and after
collision for mass 1 and mass 2

Page 3