PASCO ME-8957 User Manual
Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model ME-8957
ROTATIONAL ACCELERATION TANK
012-05771B
6/95
$1.00
Introduction
The ME-8957 Rotational Acceleration Tank is an
accessory for the ME-8951 Rotating Platform. One of
the more difficult concepts in mechanics for students
to grasp is the direction of acceleration in circular
motion. The Rotational Acceleration Tank can be used
to easily show the direction of the centripetal acceleration as well as the effects of rotational motion on a
fluid.
Before beginning the rotational demonstration use the
Rotational Acceleration Tank or other fluid container
to show the effect of linear acceleration on a fluid.
Notice that the normal of a plane that is tangent to the
curved surface of the liquid points toward the direction
of acceleration. See Figure 1.
➧ NOTE: The Rotational Acceleration Tank has
been designed to stand upright on a desktop or
other stable surface.
Rotational
Acceleration Tank
acceleration
fluid
table
tangential
plane
normal
ME-8957
ACCELERATION TANK
ACCESSORY
FOR USE WITH PASCO ME-8951 ROTATING PLATFORM
Figure 1: Linear Acceleration
Equipment
- Rotational Acceleration Tank assembly with
thumb screw and square nut (2 ea.)
Additional Equipment Required
- ME-8951 Rotating Platform
- ME-8955 Motor Drive (optional)
- SF-9584 Low Voltage Power Supply (optional)
Setup
➀ Assemble and level the ME-8951 Rotating Plat-
form. Include the ME-8955 Rotational Motor Drive
if desired.
➁ Center the Rotational Tank on the rotating plat-
form, so that the mounting Tabs are aligned with
the slot on top of the Rotating Platform. Slide into
place and secure with the T-slot attachment screws.
See Figure 2.
➧ NOTE: Clean the tank between uses if fluids
other than water are used.
➂ Fill the tank no more than half full with the liquid
of choice. Water with food coloring is the suggested fluid, but mild solutions of different viscosity can be used.
➃ Rotate the tank at the desired rate.
© 1995 PASCO scientific
This instruction sheet written/edited by:
®
10101 Foothills Blvd. • P.O. Box 619011 • Roseville, CA 95678-9011 USA
Phone (916) 786-3800 • FAX (916) 786-8905 • email: techsupp@PASCO.com
Robert Morrison
better
ways to
teach science
Rotational Acceleration Tank 012-05771B
ME-8957 Rotational
Acceleration Tank
The surface of the water will
form a parabolic curve in the
thumbscrew
square nut
tank. The exact shape will
correspond to the rate of
rotation. Notice that the normal
to a plane tangent to the curve
of the fluid surface points
toward the axis of rotation or
T-slot
direction of acceleration.
See Figure 3.
“A” base
Figure 2: Rotational Acceleration Tank Setup
➧ CAUTION: Be careful not to over fill the tank
or spin the tank too fast. Spillage will result.
axis of rotation
tangential plane
acceleration
normal
fluid
Rotational
Acceleration Tank
rotating
platform
➧ CAUTION: The tank has
considerable momentum
when it is filled and rotating.
Make sure your work space is
clear before you rotate the
tank . Do not attempt to stop
the tank abruptly.
Other Demonstrations
Additional Equipment Required
- Incandescent Light Source, such as PASCO OS9102B.
The Rotational Acceleration Tank can also be used to
demonstrate reflection and refraction.
➀ Place the tank on the rotating platform, or on a
stable desktop and fill the tank with the liquid to be
observed.
➁ Place a light source at the desired angle and observe
the angle of reflection or refraction. See Figure 4.
Rotational
Acceleration Tank
20
light source
(filled with fluid)
111213141516171819212224
123456789
010
refraction
ME-8957
ACCELERATION TANK
ACCESSORY
FOR USE WITH PASCO ME-8951 ROTATING PLATFORM
“A” base
Figure 3: Rotating Acceleration
rotating
platform
987654321
10
191817161514131211 24232221
“A” base
reflection
rotating
platform
20
Figure 4: Angle of Refraction/Reflection
2
Loading...