Download Falling Chain Name: Date:

Falling Chain
Name:
Date:
(one ninja must have a forehead protector)
(Chain-wielding Ninja illustrations here)
Objective
Determine the relationship between FORCE and TIME of a falling chain. Execute several
trials.
Diagram
Materials: force sensor, bucket, chain, chain cutter (in case), stick (to stabilize force
sensor), paper clip (to hang bucket from force sensor), ring stand, rod (to hold up
force sensor), clamps x3 (to hold the ring stand, rod, and ruler in place).
Introduction
We are trying to find the relationship between the force of the chain and time. In this lab
we will be using a force sensor, a bucket, and a chain. We will use the force sensor to
find the force the chain exerts within a time interval. There is a momentum change (aka
impulse) as the chain's velocity and the mass of chain at rest on the bucket increase. The
following derivation of the formulas for the projected Force Vs. Time equation can be
found on a separate page.
Procedure
1. Set up lab as shown in diagram
2. Calibrate the force sensor
3. Take a paper clip and hook it on the force sensor and hook the bucket on the
paperclip and open force sensor program
4. Find mass of bucket using force sensor program use formula (weight / gravity) to find
mass
5. Put the chain in the bucket and find the mass of the chain (mass of chain=Mass
found-bucket mass.
6. Note that the MAXIMUM amount of force allowed to be exerted on the sensor is
24N, and remember to recall the formula from the introduction to determine what the
maximum mass of the chain should be.
7. Cut the chain to control the amount of mass you want
8. Get on an elevated surface hold chain folded in half with both ends of chain facing
down at the bucket.
9. Collect data and at the same time drop the chain into the bucket.
10. Curve fit the graph and write down curve formula
Repeat step 8 -10 for 3 trails
Data
Analysis
Conclusion
Sources of error