PASCO ME-9825 User manual

Instruction Manual
Manual No. 012-07823-A
Matter Model
Model No. ME-9825

Model No. ME-9825
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Table of Contents
Equipment List........................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................. 5
Equipment Setup ........................................................ 5
Assembling Atom Halves ..............................................................................................................5
Building a Cubic Atom Model.......................................................................................................5
Increasing the Mass of the Atom ...................................................................................................6
Assembling a Longitudunal Wave Model .....................................................................................6
Assembling a Transverse Wave Model .........................................................................................7
Activities ................................................................ 8
Mechanisms of Normal Forces ......................................................................................................8
Vibrations.......................................................................................................................................8
Torque and Shear Forces................................................................................................................9
Wave Patterns ................................................................................................................................9
Wave Speed and Density .............................................................................................................10
Pressure ........................................................................................................................................10

Matter Model Model No. ME-9825
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Matter Model
Model No. ME-9825
Equipment List
*Use Replacement Model Numbers to expedite replacement orders.
Included Equipment Quantity Replacement
Model Number*
1. Atom Half 80 648-07820
2. Hex nut, 3/8 - 16 30 614-080
3. Heavy Spring 60 ME-9829
4. Light Spring 60 ME-9830
5. Tube 1648-07821
12
4
3
5

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Model No. ME-9825 Matter Model
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Matter Model Model No. ME-9825
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Introduction
The PASCO ME-9825 is comprised of many components which, when
assembled and reassembled in a variety of configurations, can be used
to model many demonstrations. Some suggested uses can be found in
the Activities section of this manual.
Equipment Setup
Assembling Atom Halves
1. Position two atom halves as shown in Figure 1 and snap together.
Building A Cubic Atom Model
1. Seat the single closed winding at either end of a spring inside a cleat
feature of an assembled cubic atom model. See Figure 2.
2. Create desired cubic atom model by alternately assembling atom
models and springs.
Figure1: Snap together atom halves
Figure 2: Snap springs into cleats of atom model

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Increasing the Mass of the Atom
1. Position one hex nut between two atom halves and snap together. See
Figure 3.
Assembling A Longitudinal Wave Model
1. Seat the single closed winding at either end of a spring inside a cleat
feature of an assembled atom model (with nuts).
2. Create desired longitudinal wave model by alternately assembling
atom models and springs onto tube as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 3: Snap together atom halves with nut
Figure 4: Assembly of Longitudinal Wave Model

Matter Model Model No. ME-9825
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Assembling A Transverse Wave Model
1. Seat the single closed winding of a heavy spring inside a cleat feature
of an assembled atom model. Be certain to attach springs along the
seam of the atom to prevent splitting (fission) from occuring.
2. Create desired length transverse wave model by alternately
assembling atom models and springs onto tube as shown in
Figure 5.
Figure 5: Assembly of Transverse Wave Model

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Activities
Mechanisms of Normal Forces
Students often have difficulty believing that solid objects, such as a
table, can exert forces. Instead, they believe that the table simply "gets
in the way" of the object. By using the matter model with a heavy
book, students can see the atoms compress when the book is placed on
it. A 4 x 3 x 2 arrangement should be used for this activity, so the
matter model is more stable when the book is placed on it.
Vibrations
The effects of vibrations can be seen quite vividly in the matter model.
Any rectangular or cubic arrangement can be used. Strike the matter
model with an impact force and observe the vibrational patterns.
Figure 6: Demonstration of Normal Forces

Matter Model Model No. ME-9825
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Torque and Shear Forces
The effects of torque and shearing forces can be demonstrated when
the matter model is constructed in a 5 x 3 x 2 configuration. In
addition, when supported only on one side a cantilever can be modeled
effectively.
Wave Patterns
By connecting many atoms (without nuts) in a linear arrangement with
the heavy springs, students can easily generate standing wave patterns.
The atoms should be laid on a smooth tabletop or floor for this activity.
The mass of each atom can be changed by inserting the included nuts.
Figure 7: Demonstration of Torque Forces
Figure 8: Demonstration of a Transverse Wave
Figure 9: Demonstration of a Longitudinal Wave

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Wave Speed and Density
Each of the atoms is designed to allow an included nut to be inserted.
In this way, students can change the density of the wave medium and
observe the relationship between wave speed and density. This effect
can be investigated for both transverse and longitudinal waves. Use the
configuration suggested in the previous activity for transverse waves.
For a demonstration of longitudinal waves, use the included brass tube,
which fits through the hole in each atom. It is more effective to use the
light springs for a longitudinal wave activity, since the wave speeds
will be lower.
Pressure
With the atoms in a linear configuration and using the provided brass
tube, turning the arrangement vertically is a nice demonstration of
pressure. The lowest atoms must support the weight of all atoms
above. This causes the lower springs to be more compressed, thus the
atoms are closer together.
Figure 10: Demonstration of Pressure