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)
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010
refraction
ME-8957
ACCELERATION TANK
ACCESSORY
FOR USE WITH PASCO ME-8951 ROTATING PLATFORM
“A” base
Figure 3: Rotating Acceleration
rotating
platform
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191817161514131211 24232221
“A” base
reflection
rotating
platform
20
Figure 4: Angle of Refraction/Reflection
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012-05771B Rotational Acceleration Tank
The Rotational Acceleration Tank can be used to
demonstrate why the sky is blue and the sunset is red.
When sunlight enters the upper atmosphere the shorter
wave lengths of the visible spectrum are scattered in
all directions by the molecules of the upper atmosphere. The remaining light passes through. When we
observe a portion of the sky, ( not directly between us
and the sun) we only see the scattered (blue) light.
When the sun sits low on the horizon, Its light must
travel through a larger amount of atmosphere. The
majority of the shorter wavelength (blue) has been
scattered leaving only the longer wavelength light (red).
Setup
➀ Place the tank on the rotating platform, or on a
stable desktop and fill the tank with the liquid to be
observed.
➁ Add a small amount of contaminant to the fluid,
such as clear dish soap, in the tank to enhance the
effect.
➂ While observing the front of the tank shine a light
Rotational
light source
Acceleration Tank
(filled with fluid)
scattered light
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010
rotating
platform
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10
viewpoint of
observer
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20
Figure 5: Blue Sky
source down the long axis of the tank. See Figure 5.
The scattered light from the tank will have a bluish tint
just like the scattered light from the atmosphere.
➃ Look down the long axis of the tank, toward the
light source, and observe the light shining through
Rotational
Acceleration Tank
(filled with fluid)
light source
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010
rotating
platform
987654321
10
viewpoint of
observer
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20
Limited Warranty
PASCO scientific warrants this product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
year from the date of shipment to the customer. PASCO
will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the product
which is deemed to be defective in material or workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage to the product
caused by abuse or improper use. Determination of
whether a product failure is the result of a manufacturing
defect or improper use by the customer shall be made
solely by PASCO scientific. Responsibility for the return
of equipment for warranty repair belongs to the customer.
Equipment must be properly packed to prevent damage
and shipped postage or freight prepaid. (Damage caused
by improper packing of the equipment for return shipment will not be covered by the warranty.) Shipping
costs for returning the equipment, after repair, will be
paid by PASCO scientific.
Equipment Return
Should this product have to be returned to PASCO
scientific, for whatever reason, notify PASCO scientific
by letter or phone BEFORE returning the product. Upon
notification, the return authorization and shipping instructions will be promptly issued.
➤ NOTE: NO EQUIPMENT WILL BE AC-
CEPTED FOR RETURN WITHOUT AN AUTHORIZATION.
When returning equipment for repair, the units must be
packed properly. Carriers will not accept responsibility
for damage caused by improper packing. To be certain
the unit will not be damaged in shipment, observe the
following rules:
➀ The carton must be strong enough for the item
shipped.
➁ Make certain there is at least two inches of packing
material between any point on the apparatus and the
inside walls of the carton.
➂ Make certain that the packing material can not shift in
the box, or become compressed, thus letting the instrument come in contact with the edge of the box.
Figure 6: Red Sunset
the tank. See Figure 6.
The light shining through the tank has a reddish or
orange tint just like the sun at sunset.
3
Rotational Acceleration Tank 012-05771B
Notes:
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