mv 2
Fc r . (1)
r
v r (2)
PRE-LAB EXERCISE:
2). Create appropriate tables for the two sets of data you will to collect during
the lab.
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Overview
In this experiment, we will measure the force exerted on a spring in two
different ways: the force, F, due to gravity on a mass attached to the spring for a
non-rotating system, and the centripetal force due to a rotating mass. In the
experiment, we will arrange it so the force, F, exerted on the spring by the non-
rotating mass, M, is the same as the force exerted on the spring by the rotating
mass, m. This is illustrated schematically on the following page, it is a three-
step process. We will measure and compare the force exerted on the spring by
gravity, and by the centripetal force for systems with (1) constant force, and (2)
constant radius.
F = Mg
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EQUIPMENT:
Rotating Platform assembly with mounting rods
Aluminum rotating platform with 300 g square mass
Center post, spring and plastic indicator disk
Side post, 100 g mass with 3 hooks and two 50g attachable masses
Clamp-on pulley and thread
Small photogate
Pasco 5 g mass hanger and masses
PROCEDURE:
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Figure 4. Position of platform to adjust left
Figure 3. Position of platform to adjust
hand screw.
right hand screw.
1. Adjust the right leveling screw so that the 300 g mass and the
rotating platform are aligned along a line that passes over the left
leveling screw as shown in Fig. 3
2. Rotate the rotating platform 90o so it is parallel to the right leg as
shown in Fig. 4, and adjust the left leveling screw so the platform will
stay in that position.
3. Check whether the aluminum platform stays in any position to which
it is set. If the platform remains stationary, it is level. If the rotating
platform does not remain in any position it is placed, repeat steps 2
and 3 until the platform is level.
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5. Determine the total weight of the hanging mass (M). This weight is
equal to the force exerted on the spring. NOTE: The value of M chosen
at this point will be constant throughout the experiment.
6. Adjust the horizontal indicator marker on the center post so it is
lined up with the orange radius indicator disk at this time.
7. Turn on the Science workshop interface first, then turn on the
computer.
8. Start Data Studio and select the Smart Pulley sensor.
9. Open the measurement menu, deselect Velocity, Ch 1, (m/s) and
select Angular Position, Ch1, (rad).
10. Open a graph window.
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IV. Centripetal force with constant radius (varying mass m and speed v,
with r constant, and M constant).
1. You will use the same value of M throughout this part. Your are
varying the rotating mass.
2. Keep the same radius used in Part III.
3. Take data as above for two additional runs: first by changing the
hooked mass by removing 50 g so that m is 150 g, and then by
changing the hooked mass m to 100g by removing the other 50 g.
The spring bracket position, the indicator marker, and the radius
should remain at the same location throughout this part of the
experiment.
4. Record the angular velocity required for each rotating mass, and any
other information you will need, into the excel spreadsheet. Calculate
the speeds (v) of each mass.
ANALYSIS OF DATA
1. For the results you obtained while varying the centripetal force (in
step III), plot F (vertical axis) vs. v2 (horizontal axis) using Excel.
a. Determine a linear trend line for the data.
b. The slope is equal to m/r (see equation 1).
c. Compare the slope to m/r from the constants of the
experiment by calculating the percent difference?
2. For the results you obtained while keeping the radius constant (in
step IV), plot m (vertical axis) vs. v (horizontal axis) using Excel
a. Determine the best-fitting power-law trend line for the data.
b. The coefficient of x should be equal to Fr. (Remember to
calculate F by using Mg.) Compare the coefficient of x to Fr.
What is the percent error?
c. The exponent of x should be equal to 2; compare the
exponent of x to 2, and determine the percent error?
3. Your report should state the deviation (per cent difference)
between the expected values and values determined from your
graphs. In addition, you should comment on the nature of the
graphs and the reasons for your results.
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