In this paper we explain how to build a very sensitive force table using 3D-printed parts. The key component of this apparatus is a simple sensitive pulley that, together with the other components, can be printed in one day (one hour per pulley, 17 hours for a complete three-pulleys table) at the cost of 160 g of plastic filament. This force table can be used in a vertical position on a whiteboard for an all-class discussion or in a horizontal position for personal or group usage. The design includes calibrated mass hangers that use coins or small metal pellets as weights. To view the files, go to https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5019204.
References
1.
John B.
Geddes
and Kelly
Black
, “The dynamic force table
,” PRIMUS
18
(3
), 221
–246
(2008
).2.
Thomas B.
Greenslade
Jr., “The force table; Historical variants
,” Phys. Teach.
40
, 358
(Sept.
2002
).3.
Guenter
Schwarz
and Robert L.
Dough
, “Vertical force table
,” Am. J. Phys.
36
, 559
(June
1968
).4.
D. R.
Gustafson
, “Modified force table experiment
,” Am. J. Phys.
46
, 774
(July
1978
).5.
Mark
Kinsler
and Evelyn
Kinzel
, “An equilibrium board to demonstrate both torques and translational forces
,” Phys. Teach.
46
, 502
(Nov.
2008
).6.
Christy
Heid
and Donald
Rampolla
, “Large general purpose frame for studying force vectors
,” Phys. Teach.
49
, 156
(March
2011
).© 2021 Author(s). Published under an exclusive license by American Association of Physics Teachers.
2021
Author(s)
AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.