Embedded Files
Introduction:
How does Inertia Affect liquid?
The Centripetal Motion Demonstration uses water with food coloring to demonstrate inertia in action.The Rotational Acceleration Tank demonstrates a centrifuge when used on the Rotational Platform. Observing the shape of the red liquid in the tank, students can better understand rotational motion and its relationship to centripetal force. The water is contained in a glass tank with a rotating base that spins on its y-axis to show the centripetal acceleration at work.
Materials:
-2 cups of water.
-4 drops of red food coloring.
-Rotational Acceleration Tank.
-Rotational Motor Drive.
-Pair of alligator cables
Procedure:
Place the Rotational acceleration tank on its base.
Connect the motor drive to the tank using the alligator cables.
Pour 2 cups of water with 4 drops of red food coloring into the tank.
Turn the motor drive and begin observing inertia in motion.
Scientific Principle
There are three mathematical quantities that will be of primary interest to us as we analyze the motion of objects in circles. These three quantities are speed, acceleration and force. The speed of an object moving in a circle is given by the following equation.
The acceleration of an object moving in a circle can be determined by either two of the following equations.
The equation on the right (above) is derived from the equation on the left by the substitution of the expression for speed.
The net force (Fnet) acting upon an object moving in circular motion is directed inwards. While there may by more than one force acting upon the object, the vector sum of all of them should add up to the net force. In general, the inward force is larger than the outward force (if any) such that the outward force cancels and the unbalanced force is in the direction of the center of the circle. The net force is related to the acceleration of the object (as is always the case) and is thus given by the following three equations:
The equations in the middle (above) and on the right (above) are derived from the equation on the left by the substitution of the expressions for acceleration.
Safety:
Do not put excess of water.
Use apron in case of spill.
Pictures of Experiment:
Rotational Acceleration Tank on top of
its Rotating Motor Drive at 0 acceleration.
(Horizontal View)
Rotating Acceleration Tank
Inertia and Centripetal Force acting on it.
Rotating Tank at full acceleration, creating the most visible effect of inertia on the colored water.
Alligator cables that connect the lever and the rotating base.
Rotational Acceleration Tank on Rotating Motor Drive with the 2 cups of water and the 4 drops red food coloring.
Materials:
View Brochure of PBL Inertia Demonstration:
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse