The Atwood machine revisited using smartphones

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a modern approach to the classical Atwood machine experiment by using smartphones' accelerometers to measure vertical acceleration, making the demonstration more accessible and engaging.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of using smartphones to measure acceleration in the Atwood machine, enhancing traditional physics demonstrations with modern technology.

Findings

Linear relationship between mass difference and acceleration confirmed

Smartphones effectively measure acceleration in physics experiments

Enhances classical physics demonstrations with accessible technology

Abstract

The Atwood machine is a simple device used for centuries to demonstrate the Newton's second law. It consists of two supports containing different masses joined by a string. Here, we propose an experiment in which a smartphone is fixed to one support. With the aid of the built-in accelerometer of the smartphone the vertical acceleration is registered. By redistributing the masses of the supports, a linear relationship between the mass difference and the vertical acceleration is obtained. In this experiment, the use of a smartphone contributes to enhance a classical demonstration.