Centripetal Force
Elizabeth Beck
Lab Partner: Allison Buturie
June 3, 2014
Lab Partner: Allison Buturie
June 3, 2014
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/5/9/26590183/4999287.png?1401728632)
Purpose
To observe the laws of centripetal force in the horizontal realm.
Theory
Experimental Technique
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/5/9/26590183/4165236.png)
Materials Used:
- Accelerometer (used Vertical accelerometer for Horizontal realm)
- Plastic tube
- Red tape
- Paper clip
- Spring
- Weight
- Two end cap
- Merry-Go-Round
- Stop Watch
- Tape Measure
Procedure:
To start this experiment off I built the accelerometer to measure centripetal force on a merry-go-round. Then I started collecting the data by measuring the radius of the merry-go-round and converting it from inches to meters.. Next, I placed the vertical accelerometer on its side to serve as a horizontal accelerometer. I made sure the accelerometer was zeroed with the edge of the merry-go-round and spun. To measure the period, I kept the merry-go-round at a consent speed and measured the time it took for one revolution. Then I measured the value of the accelerometer while in motion.
To start this experiment off I built the accelerometer to measure centripetal force on a merry-go-round. Then I started collecting the data by measuring the radius of the merry-go-round and converting it from inches to meters.. Next, I placed the vertical accelerometer on its side to serve as a horizontal accelerometer. I made sure the accelerometer was zeroed with the edge of the merry-go-round and spun. To measure the period, I kept the merry-go-round at a consent speed and measured the time it took for one revolution. Then I measured the value of the accelerometer while in motion.
Data
Radius = 1.4 meters
Period = 3.2 seconds
Radial Acceleration = 5.67 m/s^2
Gravity = 9.8m/s^2
Period = 3.2 seconds
Radial Acceleration = 5.67 m/s^2
Gravity = 9.8m/s^2
Analysis
To find percent difference:
Conclusion
In this lab I used equations for centripetal force to find the centripetal acceleration of a merry-go-round. I used all the data found in the lab to calculate the acceleration to be 5.67m/s^s. The accelerometer measured 0.5G, which was plugged into the equation Ar = Gg to get 4.9m/s^s. With the equation for percent difference I calculated the difference to be 14.57%. The difference could be due to an error in construction with the vertical accelerometer or the usage of the vertical as a horizontal accelerometer. There could have been other means for error due to friction, wind, or other natural forces. This lab shows there is a relationship between radius and time versus using an accelerometer.