SPH4U-1 DYNAMICS: ANALYZING UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION ASG#2

You have seen the derivation of the equations for circular motion and solved problems by using them. However, it is
always hard to accept a theoretical concept until you test it yourself. In this investigation, you will obtain experimental
data for uniform circular motion and compare your data to the theory.

Background
In this activity you will be looking at how well the equation F c = 4 B 2mrf2 describes actual experimental results for an
object experiencing uniform circular motion.

NOTE!
You will varying 3 different variables: C tension due to a hanging mass (F g)
C radius of rotation (r)
C mass of stoppers (m)

Instructions
{10} A. Refer to INV.3.3.2 on page 136 and 137 of your textbook (Nelson Physics 12). Follow procedure steps 1-13.

NOTE!
ΠTo obtain reasonable values, you w ill need to make the measurements
several times and take the average.
œ Record the time and frequency to 2 decimal places and the remaining
values to 3 significant digits.
– Use the data table on the next page to record your data. Recall: f = N/t
— Use the equation 4 B 2mrf2 to calculate an experimental value of F c for each
radii.
“ Calculate the percentage error between the theoretical (accepted) and
experimental (measured) centripetal forces.
{6} ” Be sure to include a set of sample calculations (given, F c, tavg, f, F c, and
% error)!

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{5}
Questions some
on the of error didmiscounting
1. What one major sourceglass
velocity P
you encounter? How did it affect your results? How did you attem pt to minimize A
their effect? To improve your results, what would you do differently next time?
{3} 2. To obtain the best accuracy, the tension force acting on the stopper should be horizontal. What should happen to
the accuracy as the frequency of revolution of the stopper(s) increases? Explain your reasoning.
Iculatgh3. Use the equation 4 B 2mrf 2 to answer the following questions.
{3} (a) Determine the relationship between F c and (i) m, (ii) r, and (iii) f. Express your answer as a proportionality.
{3} (b) What happens to F c when (i) m, (ii) r, and (iii) f are halved? Express your answer as a multiplier.
{4} (c) How can you keep F c and r constant if m quadruples? if f triples? Explain your reasoning with the aid of a
proportionality statement.
{3} 4. A conical pendulum swings in a circle, as shown. Show that the form
of the equation relating the angle that the string makes with the
vertical to the speed of the bob is identical to the equation for the
banking of curves. (i.e. tan 2 = v 2/rg)

L = length of pendulum
2 = angle with vertical
FT = tension in the string
mg = weight of bob (i.e. F g)
r = radius of circular path
h = height of object from ceiling
SPH4U-1 DYNAMICS: CIRCULAR MOTION DATA TABLE ASG#2

Theoretical (Fc = Fg = mg) Experimental (Fc = 4B2mrf2)

string radius hang mass tension stopper mass 20 cycles frequency Fc

% error
r (m) m (kg) Fc (N) m (kg) t (s) f (Hz) (N)

2
0.050
0.49 5.40 1.304 0.65 32.71
0.75 0.100
0.98 0.013 13.02 1 54420.91 71
0.200
1.96 1 stopper 9.49 2.11 He 1.70 131
0.75
12.75 1.57147 0.95 31
0.60 0.100
0.98 0.013 10.69 1.8742 1.08 101
0.45
10.65 1.88112 0.821 stopper 161
0.013 12.76 1.5742 0.95 1 stopper 3.01
0.75 0.100
0.98 0.026 16.21 1.23 1.16
2 stopper 181
2 dec.pl. 3 dec.pl.
0.039 18.18 1.10
3 dec.pl.
1.40
3 stopper
3 dec.pl. 2 dec.pl. 2 dec.pl. 2 dec.pl.
431
1 dec.pl.

NOTE: < Theoretical (Fc = Fg) 7 use hang mass for “m”
< Experimental (Fc = 4 B2mrf2) 7 use stopper mass for “m”, string radius for “r”, and frequency for “f”
I The stoppers were going at an angle which caused an inconsistency. The circular rotation/
horizontal plane of motion was di cult to maintain as gravitational forces were acting on
the stoppers. It causes us to have a higher percentage error. We attempted to minimize
this error as we tried to put the clip away from the glass rod at a consistent distance. The
next time we do this experiment we will try to have a better consistent circular rotation and
try and make it as straight to the horizontal plane of motion as possible.

2 Generally the higher the frequency the increase in accuracy and lower percentage error. As
it speeds up it is more horizontal which is more accurate.
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