Circular Motion Lab

(HS5.1.3, HS5.1.3.3, HS5.1.3.4, HS5.1.2.6)

Name_____________________________
Period _______
Lab Partners: _____________________
_____________________
_____________________

Purpose: To prove that centripetal force is due to other forces.

Discussion: We have been studying circular motion and have talked about what causes circular motion. Our
discussion led us to the conclusion that centripetal forces (forces that redirect an object so that it
will turn continuously and end up in circular motion) are really other forces such as normal force,
gravity, tension in a cord, or friction.

We will be exploring this idea in this lab by comparing the centripetal force Fc that we find acting
on a horizontally revolving stopper to the string tension FT that we suspect is the source of that
centripetal force. Since we will be using a measured weight Fg to cause the string tension, we are
expecting that the weight will be equal to the centripetal force.

Fc = FT = Fg

Since the tension is equal to both Fg and Fc , we can set Fg and Fc directly equal to each other.

Fc = Fg

mv2 = Mg
R

It is important to note that the masses cannot be cancelled because they are different. The m of the
centripetal force Fc side is the mass of the whirling stopper, while the M of the weight Fg side is
the mass hanging from the cord that causes the tension in the cord.

The measurements that need to be taken are those that will allow us to calculate the centripetal
force side (mstopper, v, and R), and the measurement that will allow us to calculate the tension-
causing weight (Mhanging). The velocity of the revolving stopper can be found by measuring the
period for its revolution and the radius of its revolution and using v = 2R
T

Testable Question: Will the hanging weight Fg be equal to the calculated centripetal force Fc ?
Hypothesis:
IF________________________________________________________________________________________
THEN____________________________________________________________________________________
Procedure:
1. Measure the mass of the stopper and convert this mass to kilograms
2. For each trial measure:
the mass that you are hanging off the end of the string in kilograms
the time it takes to swing the stopper in 10 complete circles at a constant radius (this will be divided
by 10 to obtain the period T of the swing)
the radius (in meters) of the particular swing (this will be done at the end of each 10 swings by
placing your finger over the top of the tube to pinch the string against that edge as you complete the
swings. You will measure the length from the center of the stopper to the top of the tube.
3. Convert all gram measurements to kilograms, and all centimeter measurements to meters.
4. For each trial calculate:
The weight Fg of the hanging mass
the period T of the swings
the speed v of the stopper
the centripetal force Fc acting on the stopper
the percent difference between Fg and Fc
5. Answer the questions at the end of the lab.

Data: mass of stopper (g) ___________ mass of stopper (kg) ____________

Sample Calculations:
Quantity Formula Used Substitution Solution
Calculated With Units
g to kg
cm to m
t to T
v
Fg
Fc
% Difference
Fg and Fc
Graphs: Graph the following relationships:

1) Quantities on the x and y axes that will give a slope equal to g

1. What did your experiment show about the relationship between the weights hanging off the string and
the calculated centripetal force? Justify your answer.

2
2. Why was it important NOT to cancel the masses in the relationship mv = Mg
R

3. Diagram the forces acting on the stopper in the diagram that is on the front page of this lab. (draw your
forces right on that diagram).

What force/s is/are unbalanced?

4. What does the imbalance of each force you named in question #3 do to the experimental situation?

5. Each group member should pick a different factor that might have contributed to the percent difference
you got between Fg and Fc and on a separate sheet of paper attached to the end of the lab writeup explain
and illustrate::
the errors general effect on the experiment
a reasonable amount of error for the factor (with justification for the amount chosen)
quantitatively demonstrate the effect a reasonable amount of change in that factor would have caused,
by showing how a reasonable amount of change in your factor would end up changing the percent
difference between Fg and Fc. Be sure to show all calculations and a comparison of before to after
quantities and calculations.