Physics 1
Dynamics Activity
Tug-Of-War

Purpose:

Suppose two 10-Newton weights hang pull on a spring scale as shown. What will the spring scale read? 0 Newtons? 10 Newtons? 20 Newtons?

spring scale

string

2 pulleys

2 ring stands

2 ring stand clamps

2 c-clamps

2 identical weights (5 - 10 Newtons each)

apparatus diagram

Be sure to keep your feet out of the area in which the mass will fall if the string or rubber band breaks!
Be sure to clamp the ring stands to the lab table, or weight them with several books so that the masses does not pull them off the table.

Assemble the apparatus as shown in the diagram. Be sure to "zero" the spring scale.

What does the spring scale read? Record this measurement.

How does the spring scale reading compare to the weight of one of the masses attached to it? Why?

last update January 24, 1997 by JL Stanbrough (Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome at jerry_stanbrough@bhs.batesville.k12.in.us)

spring scale	string	2 pulleys	2 ring stands
2 ring stand clamps	2 c-clamps	2 identical weights (5 - 10 Newtons each)