- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
Air Track - Action-Reaction Pairs
Purpose
To demonstrate the third law of motion.
Equipment
Air track with two mass M and one mass 2M gliders, string loops with burner, photogates and timer.
Setup Time
5 min.
Images
Description
Two gliders (either M and 2M or M and M) are tied together with a string loop against the force of a compressed spring. Burning the string releases the gliders with no external force. The photogate timer measures the time it takes for each glider tab to move through its respective gate. A reset switch on a cable clears the timer between measurements without the instructor getting in the line of sight.
References
Thomas D. Phillips, Finding the External Force, AJP 22, 583-585 (1954). Donald E. Tilley, Dynamical Paradox, AJP 35, 546-547 (1967). W. Klein and G. Nimtz, Inelastic collision and the motion of the center of mass, AJP 57, 182, (1989). Ernie McFarland, Newton's Third Law at a Traffic Intersection, TPT 28, 315 (1990). Kathy Malone and Bob Reiland, Exploring Newton's Third Law, TPT 33, 410-411 (1995). Information Sheet.
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See pagesc1. center of mass motion
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See pagesc3. first law of motion
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See pagesc4. second law of motion
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See pagesc5. third law of motion
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See pagesc6. friction
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See pagesc7. collisions
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See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power
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See pagesc1. center of mass motion
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See pagesc3. first law of motion
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See pagesc4. second law of motion
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See pagesc5. third law of motion
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See pagesc6. friction
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See pagesc7. collisions
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See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power