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Home Interactives Forces in 2D Atwood's Machine 2D

Atwood's Machine 2D

The Atwood's Machine 2D Interactive provides an environment that allows the learner to explore two-mass systems. An Atwood's machine (two masses connected by a string that stretches over a pulley) and a modified version of the Atwood's machine (one or both of the masses is on a horizontal or angled surface) can be explored. The environment allows a user to change the mass values, change the g value, change the initial velocity, introduce friction into surface, change the rotational inertia of the pulley, alter the angle of the surfaces, and view the resulting acceleration. The simulation includes nine different scenarios to explore, with each scenario becoming incrementally more complex than the previous.
🚀︎ Launch Interactive

Users are encouraged to open the Interactive and begin. There is no need for an activity sheet for this Interactive.

Learners and Instructors may also be interested in viewing the accompanying Notes page. Technical information, teaching suggestions, and related resources that complement this Interactive are provided on the Notes page. View Notes.

NEWOur Atwood's Machine 2D simulation is now equipped with Task Tracker functionality. Learn more.