UCM Lab

Determine the centripetal acceleration of the stopper.

centripetal force apparatus, timer, ruler and Chromebook

Goggles are to be worn at ALL times.

Take five measurements for 5 different lengths. Lengths are < 50 cm.

Mass of Stopper _________________

Mass of Washers _________________

Graph speed vs. radius.

Linearize the graph and calculate the slope. Record the value.

Have you teacher check your calculated centripetal acceleration value.

In the lab we assumed the plane of the spinning stopper was level with the top of the tube.

Draw an FBD for m (stopper) and M (washers).

Sum the forces and derive an equation for the centripetal acceleration.

Record your equation.

In reality, the plane of the spinning stopper was below the top of the tube.

Draw an FBD for m (stopper) and M (washers).

Sum the forces and derive an equation for the centripetal acceleration.

Record your equation.