Carousel/Centripetal Force Exploration

Team member full names:

A.

B.

Goal:
1. Students will create, and test hypothesis on centripetal force.
2. Students will analyze results and report finding in CER,

Use simulator to explore and answer the following questions.

1. Observe the carousel. What do you observe about the motion of the balls at the end of the
string.
2. Draw a free-body-diagram of suspended ball

3. What variables can be measured? List them. (Hint: click Numerical Value)
The variables that can be measured are weight,velocity,radius,angle,centripetal force,tension
in the string

4. What variables can be changed? List them. (Hint: the boxes that numbers can be keyed in)
Variables that can be changed are the time period, Distance, Length of strings, and the mass

5. Write and list as many questions about the carousel and those variables.
What is the radius and velocity when there is a longer period of time?
Does the angle increased or decreased when time increases?
Does the centripetal force increase or decrease?
Does the frequency increase or decrease with a longer period of time?

6. Choose and rank three best questions and copy the question in the box.
1.What is the radius and velocity when there is a longer period of time?
2. Does the angle increased or decreased when time increases?
3.Does the centripetal force increase or decrease?
 7. Use the chosen question to a prediction about how to increase or decrease the centripetal
force or tension in the string. (Hint: use the variables listed.) Sentence frame: If ______ is
(increased or decreased), the centripetal force will be (increased or decreased.
If you decrease the period then the centripetal will increase.

8. Variables that you will change. And what is the range? (Example: Distance between
suspension and axis of rotation. From 0.1 m to 1.0 m)
You can change the time, distance between suspension, length of string, and mass. We are
only changing the period of time.

9. Variables that you will keep the same. What are their values? ( Example: period =xx seconds,
length of string = yy m, mass = zz kg
Variables that we are keeping the mass the same

10. What variable are you going to compare. And what is the color of the arrow for this variable?
(Example: centripetal force or tension in the string in N. Centripetal force is shown in RED
arrow.)
We are going to compare period and Centripetal force.

Collect Data:
11. Create a Google Sheet to make an x-y table to record your data. Paste the screenshot in the

box. Partial Example:

12. Make a graph from the x-y table and paste the graph in the box.

Summarize your conclusion from this exploration in CER.

13. CLAIM: What was your hypothesis/prediction and did the result agree with your hypothesis?
Our claim was that when you changed the period the centripetal force was going to decease.

14. Evidence: Use your data/chart to support your claim.

Our data shows that each as the periods were increasing the centripetal force was
decreasing.

15. Scientific Principle: Look up Centripetal force on CPO Physics textbook from page 148. Paste
the centripetal force equation in the box and describe the magnitude and the direction of the
centripetal force.

Centripetal force is the force on an object on a circular path that keeps

the object moving on the path. It is always directed towards the center and its magnitude is
constant, based on the mass of the object, its tangential velocity, and the distance of the
object (radius) from the center of the circular path.

16. Reasoning: Write a paragraph to use scientific principles and evidence to connect with your
claim.
According to our data table, when the period increases then ,the centripetal force decreases.
This leads me to conclude that if its a longer period, the angular speed is slower because it
takes more time to make 1 revolution. The direction of the orbiting object is changing more
rapidly, hence its centripetal acceleration is greater, requiring a greater centripetal force to
keep it in circular motion