PHY 202

Lab #10: Centripetal Force

Purpose:

• To verify the equation for centripetal force

Introduction

1. Uniform circular motion is the motion of an object in a circular path moving at a constant speed. Even though the object's speed is constant, its velocity is changing. This is because although its magnitude is not changing, its direction is continuously changing. Since the object is undergoing a change in velocity, it must be experiencing acceleration. The direction of the acceleration is toward the center of the circle; it is called a centripetal acceleration and symbolized a_c, which depends on the speed of the object (v) and the radius of its circle of motion (r).

This lab will let you determine the speed needed to keep an object in circular motion. You will be able to change the force holding the object in a circle by clicking on the washers (each washer is 10 grams). You can adjust the radius of the circle by clicking on the masking tape that is just below the tube. You can also change the mass of the moving object using the arrows. Find the velocity of the object by timing at least 10 revolutions. When you are ready to start the experiment, click on the begin button. Morning Masi Elaspsed Time 0.05 Begin