Introduction

There are a lot of experiments in the manual that you could potentially do. But you don’t have to do all of them. Check the ‘Data Analysis’ and ‘Add To Your Report’ sections to know what you’ll have to submit. The TeachSpin manual (which can be found here) is organized into the following sections:

1. Introduction: A lot of this info is meant for the person building the apparatus from scratch (which you are not doing).
2. Operation & Calibration: Experiments in this section include measuring the torsion constant of a wire, rotational inertia of mass segments and disks, and check the validity of the small angle approximation that is made in deriving the familiar equations of a harmonic oscillator. These are the measurements that you will need for the ‘Data Analysis’ Section.
3. Magnetic Torque: This section discusses applying torque magnetically as opposed to mechanically, like when you move the rotor with your hands. The set of experiments described in this section measure the magnetic moment of a magnet stack, and look at other interactions between the electromagnetic field of the coils, and the rotating permanent magnet.
4. Damping: Focuses on all manner of damping (NOT dampening! We are not getting anything wet!). Damping can be caused by drag forces that go as  and . Underdamping and critical damping can also be explored.

The apparatus is intended to allow you a great deal of flexibility in what you can do, and you are welcome to pursue your interests in any direction that inspires you. Several possible measurements are suggested for you to try within the manual.

Here are some measurements of apparatus components that you may find useful (apologies for imperial units):

• The copper rotor disc has an outer diameter of 4.95″ and inner diameter of 1.02″ and total mass of 962(2) g
• The aluminium rotor shaft has a typical outer diameter of 1.00″ and 0.38″ diameter hole through the center.  The aluminium – without magnets or mounting screws – weighs 283(5) g.
• The four magnets on the rotor shaft weigh 97(1) g each.
• The brass quadrants describe an arc with outer diameter 3.72″ and inner diameter of 1.72″ and mass of 214.5(5) g each

Please see the recorded video here.