Mechanics: Ball on a String

PIRA Class: 1D50.10

Purpose:
To observe the relationship between force, velocity, and radius for centripetal motion.

Description:
A ball and washer weights are tied to opposite ends of a string laced through a short hollow tube. Grasping hollow tube, swirl ball overhead at a rate such that the weight of the washers provides an adequate centripetal force for a controlled orbit. Measure the radius of the orbit of the ball, time 10 revolutions to determine the average time of revolution, and calculate the linear velocity of the ball. Graph v vs. r

Equipment:
Ball on a string demo box

Location:
Shelf 113