Physics lab design?

Question

What are some phsyics labs that I can design involving the topic of weightlifting stuff which I can control and other variables which I am able to measure? Anything in the Gym that I might be able to test and that is important to the concept of physics and is easy to measure... PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

Lab that measures acceleration due to gravity. Use mathematical pendulum and ruler. As you know, g is different at different latitudes... This should be pretty educational.

You can also set up an experiment to measure coefficients of friction and/or spring constant. You'll need wooden block(s), smooth surface, springs. You'll need a calibrated spring AKA dynamometer.

Better yet, check supplement book for freshman physics. Those labs were designed and re-designed many times. No need to re-invent the wheel.

Hmm, about the gym... What do you have in your gym? If you have pummel horse you migth try to calculate the safety rules for it - what is the momentum that might push it over (i.e. to prevent this accident)?

Answer 2

Gyms are incredible places for physics experimentation. I used to work in a school with physics labs and a fully equipped gym nearby. We used to get students to measure effort used in performing simple exercises (eg: bicep curls, leg extensions, lat rows) while varying the holding positions and/or loads. Also a good time to reinforce ideas such as mechanical efficiency and advantage. Have fun and good luck!

Answer 3

How about the Madam Guillotine attempt? A small lead weight (fishing weight?) is suitable to string and hung from a pivot factor about 0.5 m above and on the sting of the lab table. the burden and thread makes a pendulum, and it truly is adjusted so the burden can swing freely in basic terms above the table aspect. a hoop stand is clamped to the table close to table aspect and a clamp on the ring stand holds a razor blade. The blade is adjusted to the precise height the position it is going to reduce the thread on the attachment factor to the lead weight. this occurs at the same time as the burden is vertical on the sting of the table. to commence, the burden is pulled again (above the lab table) to some attitude ?, measured by technique of measuring the area to the CM of the burden from table real. once the pendulum weight is transferring ahead, and receives reduce by technique of the razor blade, it loose falls from there to the floor. With the right measurements taken. m = mass of weight l = length of thread h = height of launch of weight above table (quite than ? length) H = height of lab table above floor The GPE of the burden above table real is calculated at launch factor of the pendulum. This GPE is switched over to KE on the point the position blade cuts thread, so the horizontal speed of the burden will be computed. Then by technique of kinematics the horizontal distance from the sting of the table is computed. To run attempt first compute effects and tape one sheet of carbon subsidized paper on the floor on the calculated distance the burden will land. Mark on the paper a line which represents the precise distance from the table. Then at the same time as the burden fairly strikes the paper it is going to mark it so any "mistakes distance" will be measured.

Answer 4

I would focus on the machines and look at how they work. Look at cable lengths, actual weights, pulleys, and tensions.