Physics WAEC / WASSCE 2009 Mechanics and Properties of Matter
You are provided with two meter rules and other necessary apparatus. Place one of the rules on a knife edge and determine its centre of gravity C. Mark this pos with a piece of chalk. Read and record the mass \(M_R\) of the metre rule written on the reverse side of it. Attach the mass M= 100g firmly to the rule AB at C using sellotape. Suspend the metre rule by two parallel threads of length h = 40 cm each at the 10 cm marks. Ensure that the graduated face to the metre rule is facing upwards. Set the rule AB into a small angular oscillation about the vertical axis through its centre of gravity. Determine the time, t for 20 complete oscillations. Evaluate the period T and T\(^{2}\) Read and record the value of d in meters. Keeping d constant throughout the experiment, repeat the procedure for other values of h = 50, 60, 70, and 80 cm. In each case determine the corresponding values of f T and T. Tabulate your reading. (x) Plot a graph of T on the vertical axis and h on the horizontal axis. Determine the slope S, of the graph. Evaluate k =s, where Q =2 S, Q 250P State two precautions taken to ensure accurate results. (b)i. Define the term couple as it relates to rotational or oscillatory systems. ii. Give two practical application of a couple in everyday life.