This question is the second dealing with the inertial mass cart; see Question #115 to review some aspects of this device.
The device in the photographs below, called an inertial mass cart, runs along a track as seen in the photographs. Equal or unequal masses, or groups of masses, may be positioned at various places along the two arms, and the cart may then be allowed to accelerate down the inclined track.
In the previous question the cart accelerated down the inclined track. This week the track is level, but the cart is connected to a string passing over a pulley with a mass on the end that will accelerate the cart when it is released.
Suppose that the cart and the rod are held in position with the track level, as seen in the photograph at the left above, with equal masses at equal distances from the pivot. The cart is connected to a string passing over a pulley at the left end of the track and a mass hanging on the string. What will happen when the cart is released so that it accelerates along the track with the rod initially perpendicular to the track?
As the cart accelerates along the track the arm will:
Now suppose that the cart and the rod are held in position with the track level as seen in the photograph at the right above, with equal masses on the arms but with the mass toward the rear further from the pivot. The cart is connected to a string passing over a pulley at the left end of the track and a mass hanging on the string. What will happen when cart is released so that it accelerates along the track with the rod initially perpendicular to the track?
As the cart accelerates along the track, the arm will:
Click here for Answer #116 after May 13, 2002
