Spinning bob

In this activity you will use the circular motion equipment to investigate the factors that effect circular motion.

To start write down the relationship for centripetal force.

Sketch the set-up in your notes.

How does weight of the masses relate to the centripetal force in this diagram?

Draw the velocity vector and the F_c vector on the diagram.

Play: Try lift different weights with the apparatus. What do you notice as the masses increase. Is this consistent with your understanding?

Practice spinning the bob without the marker being jammed up hard against the glass tubing.

Experiment:

To determine the speed we will use the circumference(C)/period (T)

C = 2πr

T = time for one circuit

As it will be difficult to measure just one circuit we will time ten circuits and then divide.

You will measure the speed required to maintain the lift of the mass four four different masses.

Set up the following spread sheet:

Plot a scatter plot of F vs speed

Is the shape of the graph what you would expect? Why?