Principles of Physics I (PHY111)

Lab

Experiment no: 3
Name of the experiment: Determination of moment of inertia of a flywheel about its axis of
rotation

Theory

The flywheel is a big sized wheel. Most of its mass is distributed over the peripheral region. A thick
cylindrical rod, called the axle, passes through the centre of mass of the wheel. The axis of the axle is
perpendicular to the circular surface of the flywheel. The axle is kept horizontally by means of a holder
hung on the wall. The wheel with the axle can rotate about the axis of the axle. There is a peg joined with
axle. Objective of this experiment is to determine the moment of inertia of the flywheel about the axis of
rotation, i.e., the axis of the axle.

(a) (b)

Figure1: (a) Flywheel when the rope and load is about to be detached from the axle. (b) The same flywheel
after rotating it for nl number of times (here n1 is 6)

There is a small peg on the axle, as shown in figure 1. We make a loop on one end of a rope round this peg.
A load of mass, M, is connected to the other end of the rope. We hold the flywheel in such a way that the
load is about to be detached from the axle (figure 1 a). Then we keep a straight meter scale at the bottom
surface of the load, see where on the wall the end of the meter scale touches and put a mark over there.
Next, we rotate the flywheel for n1 times. Consequently the load moves upward. Again, we keep the
straight meter scale at the bottom surface of the load; we see where on the wall the end of the meter scale
touches and put a mark over there. The separation between the two marks is h.

Now, if the flywheel is made free to rotate, then its angular speed increases uniformly and the linear
velocity of the load also increases uniformly. The flywheel completes n1 revolutions after the release of the
load and the load traverses a distance h vertically.

The work done by gravity on the load = M g h

A part of this work is used to increase rotational kinetic energy of the flywheel, and part of it supplies the
linear kinetic energy to the load and the rest is used to work against the friction between the flywheel and
the holder.

Let, I is the moment of inertia of the flywheel about its axis of rotation.

When the load is just detached from the axle, the angular speed of the flywheel be ω and the linear velocity
1 2
of the load is v. So the rotational kinetic energy of the flywheel = Iω , and the kinetic energy of the
2
1
load = Mv 2
2

Let, the work done against friction to complete a single revolution = W f , therefore, the work done against
friction to complete n1 revolutions = n1W f

So, we can write,

1 2 1
Mgh = Iω + Mv 2 + n1W f (1)
2 2
Neglecting the thickness of the rope the ω , v and the radius of axle, r, are related by:

v =ω r
Hence, from equation (1)

1 2 1
Mgh = Iω + Mω 2 r 2 + n1W f (2)
2 2
Let, t is the time between the moment of detachment of the load from the axle and the moment when the
flywheel comes into rest. In time t the flywheel completes n2 revolutions.

During this second part of the motion of the flywheel, all of the rotational kinetic energy will be used to
work against the friction which is n 2W f , and hence
1 2
Iω = n 2W f (3)
2

Since in one complete revolution the angular displacement is 2π radian, in n2 revolutions, total angular
2πn2
displacement is 2 π n 2 radian. The average angular speed, ω =
t

Now, during this second part of the motion, the angular speed decreases uniformly form ω initial = ω to
ω final = 0

ω initial + ω final ω+0 ω

ω 2πn2
Therefore, =
2 t

4πn 2
Ö ω= (4)
t

From equations (2) and (3) it follows that

2 Mgh − Mω 2 r 2
I= (5)
⎛ n ⎞
ω 2 ⎜⎜1 + 1 ⎟⎟
⎝ n2 ⎠

By using equations (4) and (5) we can determine the moment of inertia of the flywheel about its axis of
rotation by measuring M, h, r, n1 and n2.

Apparatus

Fly-wheel, load, rope, stop-watch, meter scale, slide calipers and a piece of foam (most probably the upper
portion of a broken seat) where the load will fall down

Procedure

1. Put the loop at one end of the rope round the peg (Figure 1 a) on the axle and a load of mass M=800
gm at other end.

2. Hold the flywheel in such a way that the load is about to be detached from the peg (figure 1 b).
Then keep a straight meter scale at the bottom surface of the load, see where on the wall the end of
the meter scale touches and put a mark over there. Next rotate the flywheel for a certain number of
times (say for 6 times). It is the value of n1. Write it down in the Table 1 of data sheet. The load
moves upward. Again keep a straight meter scale at the bottom surface of the load, see where on the
wall the end of the meter scale touches and put a mark over there. The separation between the two
marks is h. Measure h by using a meter scale. Write it down in the Table 1 of data sheet.
 3. Take the stop watch in your hand. Make the flywheel free to rotate. At the moment when the rope is
just detached from the axle’s peg, then turn on the stopwatch and begin counting the number of
revolutions the flywheel makes until it comes to rest.

4. When the flywheel comes to rest, then turn off the stopwatch. The time recorded in the stopwatch is
the value of, t. Write it down in the Table 1 of the data sheet. The number of revolutions what you
have counted is n2. Write it down in the Table 1.

5. Now repeat the whole process for the mass of the load, M = 700 gm and M = 600 gm

6. Measure the diameter of the axle by using a slide calipers. Use Table 2 to record the data. Find out
the radius, r of the axle. Write it down in the data table. To know how to use a slide calipers please
see the Appendix A (provided in the soft copy available in the server).

7. Find out the value of I for each case.

8. Take the average value of I for the final result.

Read carefully and follow the following instructions:

• Please READ the theory carefully, TAKE printout of the ‘Questions on Theory’ and
ANSWER the questions in the specified space BEFORE you go to the lab class.

• To get full marks for the ‘Questions on Theory’ portion, you must answer ALL of these
questions CORRECTLY and with PROPER UNDERSTANDING, BEFORE you go to the lab
class. However, to ATTEND the lab class you are REQUIRED to answer AT LEAST the
questions with asterisk mark.

• Write down your NAME, ID, THEORY SECTION, GROUP, DATE, EXPERIMENT NO
AND NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT on the top of the first paper.

• If you face difficulties to understand the theory, please meet us BEFORE the lab class.
However, you must read the theory first.

• DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Plagiarism will bring ZERO marks in this WHOLE

• After entering the class, please submit this portion before you start the experiment.
Name: _____________________ ID: ______________ Sec: ___ Group: __ Date: __________

Experiment no: ___

Name of the Experiment: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Questions on Theory

Questions on Theory

*1) What is a flywheel? [0.25]

Ans:

*2) What is the moment of inertia of a body? Is it a constant for a body? [0.25]

Ans:

*3) When the flywheel is set free and the load of mass M moves downward for distance h until it gets
detached from the flywheel, then what is the work-done by gravity on the load? [0.25]

Ans:

*4) At the moment when the load is detached from the flywheel the angular speed of the flywheel is ω .
The moment of inertia of the flywheel about its axis of rotation is I. What is the rotational kinetic energy of
the flywheel? [0.25]

Ans:

*5) At the moment when the load is detached from the flywheel the speed of the load of mass M is v .
What is the linear kinetic energy of the load? [0.25]

Ans:

*6) The flywheel makes n1 revolutions during the period when the load moves downward for distance h. If
Wf is the work done against friction per revolution then what is the Energy loss due to friction for n1
revolutions? [0.25]

Ans:
*7) The amount of work done by gravity which you wrote in the answer of question 3 provides the kinetic
energy to the load, rotational kinetic energy to the flywheel and the energy to work against the friction
between the flywheel’s axle and its holder. Write down the equation relating them according to the law of
conservation of energy. [0.25]

Ans:

*8) If r is the radius of cross section of the axle then what is the relationship between the speed of the load v
and the angular speed of the flywheel ω at the moment when the load is about to get detached from the
flywheel? [0.25]

Ans:

*9) After the load is detached from the flywheel the flywheel slows down due to the friction between the
axle and its holder. From the moment of detachment the flywheel makes n2 number of revolutions until it
stops rotating. If Wf is the frictional energy loss per revolution then what is the total frictional energy loss
for making n2 revolutions? [0.25]

Ans:

*10) The rotational kinetic energy which the flywheel attains at the moment when the load gets detached is
used to work against friction to make n2 revolutions. Write down the equation relating this rotational kinetic
energy attained by the flywheel and the frictional energy loss after the load gets detached. [0.25]

Ans:

*11) At the moment the load gets detached the flywheel’s angular speed is ω . It slows down due to friction
and finally stops. We assume that this negative angular acceleration is constant. The angular displacement
of the flywheel during this period is θ and the measured time is t. What is the relationship among θ , ω and
t? [0.25]

Ans:

*12) What is θ in terms of n2? [0.25]

Ans:

I=
(ght 2
)
− 8π 2 n22 r 2 M
13) Using equations (2), (3) and (4) show that,
(
8π 2 n22 + n1n2 )
[2]

[Use additional page(s) to answer this question]

Ans:
 • Draw the data table(s) and write down the variables to be measured shown below (in the
‘Data’ section), using pencil and ruler BEFORE you go to the lab class.

• Write down your NAME and ID on the top of the page.

Data

Table 1: Table for determination of n1, h, n2 and t

Mass, M Path traversed by the Number of revolutions of Number of revolutions Duration of time Moment of inertia of the
load since the moment flywheel since the of flywheel since the since the moment flywheel about its axis of
(gm) when the flywheel is moment when the moment when the load when the load is just rotation,
made free to rotate, flywheel is made free to is just detached from detached from the
until the load is just rotate, until the load is the peg until the peg until the
I=
(ght )
− 8π 2 n22 r 2 M
2

detached from the peg, just detached from the flywheel comes to rest, flywheel comes to 8π n22 + n1n2
2
( )
peg, n1 n2 rest, t (s)
h (cm) (gm cm2)

Table 2: Data for the measurement of the radius of axle, r

Linear scale Vernier scale Mechanical Error Diameter of axle Average value
reading reading M.E. = LSR+VSR ± M.E of the diameter
L. S. R V. S. R (cm) (cm) of the axle, d
(cm) (cm) (cm)

• READ the PROCEDURE carefully and perform the experiment by YOURSELVES. If you
need help to understand any specific point draw attention of the instructors.
• DO NOT PLAGIARIZE data from other group and/or DO NOT hand in your data to other
group. It will bring ZERO mark in this experiment. Repetition of such activities will bring
zero mark for the whole lab.
• Perform calculations by following the PROCEDURE . Show every step in the Calculations
section.
• Write down the final result(s).

Calculations

Result:
• TAKE printout of the ‘Questions for Discussions’ BEFORE you go to the lab class. Keep this
printout with you during the experiment. ANSWER the questions in the specified space
AFTER you have performed the experiment.
• Attach Data, Calculations, Results and the Answers of ‘Questions for Discussions’ parts to
your previously submitted Answers of ‘Questions on Theory’ part to make the whole lab
report.
• Finally, submit the lab report before you leave the lab.
Name: __________________________ ID: __________________

Questions for Discussions

1) What type of difficulties did you face while counting the number of revolutions of the flywheel? Please
mention. [1]
Ans:

2) What is the physical significance of the moment of inertia? [0.5]

Ans:

3) Why does a flywheel have most of its mass distributed around its rim? [0.5]

Ans:
APPENDIX A: How to measure length with a slide calipers

Figure 1: A slide calipers when its two jaws touch each other.

Figure 1 shows you the magnified view of the slide calipers what you are using in the laboratory. When the
two jaws touch each other the 0 mark of main scale coincides the 0 mark of the Vernier scale, if the slide
calipers is free from mechanical error.

Step 1: Notice what the length of smallest division of the main scale is.

It is 1 mm, for the slide calipers shown above

Step 2: Count the number of the smallest divisions of the Vernier scale.

Here, it is 20.

Step 3: Measure the length of the all 20 divisions of the Vernier scale by using the main scale (If your
vernier scale had 40 divisions instead of 20, then you would measure the length of all 40 divisions in this
step).

Here, it is 39 mm.

Step 4: Work out the length of the smallest division of the Vernier scale.

If x is the length of the smallest division of the Vernier scale then we can write,

20 x = 39 mm
So, x = (39/ 20) mm = 1.95 mm
Figure 2: Same slide calipers containing a body between its two jaws.

Step 5: Now keep the body between the jaws of the slide calipers. So the 0 mark of the Vernier scale is
displaced. Separation between the 0 mark of the main scale and the 0 mark of the Verinier scale is equal to
the length of the body. Which mark of the main scale does the 0 of Vernier scale (B) just cross?

We can see, for this body it the mark of 13 mm. Let’s denote it by A (figure 2)and the 0 of Vernier by B.

So, the length of the body = 13 mm + AB

Main scale reading = 13 mm

Step 6: Now, see which mark of the Vernier scale coincides with any mark of the main scale.

We can see it is the mark of 16th division of the Vernier scale. In the Vernier scale this mark is denoted by
8. Let’s call it point C.

Step 7: Measure AC by using main scale.

AC = 32 mm

Step 8: Measure BC by using Vernier scale.

BC = 16 x = 16 × 1.95 mm = 31.2 mm

Step 9: Find AB.

AB = AC – BC = (32-31.2) mm = 0.8 mm
So Vernier scale reading = 0.8 mm

Step 10: Now find the total length of the body

Vernier constant:

Go back at step 9. Look how we find AB (Excess by Vernier scale)

AB = (32 – 31.2) = 16 (2-1.95) mm = 16 × 0.05 mm

Here 16 was the mark-number of Vernier which coincided with a mark of main scale. This is called “vernier
coincident”. By multiplying it by 0.05 mm we get the Vernier scale reading.

We say 0.05 mm is the Vernier constant of the slide calipers. You must have noticed that 0.05 mm is
written at the top left corner of the Vernier scale of the slide calipers what you are using.

So, to find the Vernier scale reading, you can just notice the Vernier scale division which coincides with a
mark of main scale and then multiply it by Vernier constant.

Mechanical Error:

If 0 of Vernier scale does not coincide with the 0 of main scale when the two jaws touch each other, then
there is mechanical error.

Figure 3: A slide calipers with mechanical error, where 0 of Vernier scale lies at left of the 0 or main scale.
In figure 3 we see the 0 of Vernier scale (B) lies at left of the 0 of main scale (D). We have to add this
distance BD with the measured length of any body to correct it.

We can see the mark of 8th division (denoted by 4 in the Vernier scale) coincides with a line of the main
scale.
So BD = 8 × 0.05 mm = 0.40 mm

Figure 4: A slide calipers with mechanical error, where 0 of Vernier scale lies at right of the 0 or main scale.

In figure 4 we see the 0 of Vernier scale (B) lies at left of the 0 of main scale (D). We have to subtract this
distance BD from the measured length of a body to correct it.

We can see the mark of 6th division (denoted by 3) in the Vernier scale coincides with a line of the main
scale.

So BD = 6 × 0.05 mm = 0.30 mm