Physics Laboratory Report

Title: Uniform Circular Motion

Lab number: 114
Name: Chandru Vasudevan Group ID: N/A

Date of Experiment: _11_/_5_/_2021_ Date of Report Submission: _11_/10/_2021__

Course & Section Number: Physics 111A025 Instructor’s Name: Ivan Oparin
Partners’ Names: Jason, Aryan, and Mikel

1. INTRODUCTION (5 points)
1.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To study the motion of a body traveling with constant speed in a circular path (uniform circular
motion);
2. To verify the expression for centripetal acceleration and centripetal force.

1.2 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

1. Consider that a body with a mass (m) travels a circular path of radius r around a point (O) (Figure 1).
At any given instant the body along the circular path has a linear velocity tangent to the circle and
according to Newton's First Law of Motion, it would retain this linear velocity if not acted upon by
external forces. A constant force acting normal to the path (along a radius) would produce a
constantly changing direction of motion leaving the speed unaffected.
2. Suppose the body is traveling in a circular path with constant speed. It has acceleration normal to the
path of motion which changes the direction of the velocity. This radial acceleration is directed toward
the center of the circular path and is called centripetal acceleration.
3. According to Newton's Second Law, the force F required to impart an acceleration à to a mass m is
(1) ∑F = ma
4. The centrally directed force F on the mass m is called a centripetal force. If one measures the
centripetal acceleration on a mass, the centripetal force can be calculated.

5. In a small interval of time (Δt), let the body move along the arc AB a distance Δs = vΔt. The linear
velocity at point A has the same magnitude as at B but in traveling from A to B the direction of motion
has changed. The vector difference between V, and V, represents the change in velocity, Δv = aΔt.
This vector difference is shown in the vector diagram in Figure 1. Then by similar triangles:
 (2) Δv/Δs = aΔt/vΔt = v/r
6. Rearranging Equation 2, we attain:
(3) a = v2/r
7. The acceleration, the direction of which is in the direction of the change in velocity, is directed toward
point O. The relationship between linear velocity v and angular velocity w is given by
(4) v = rω = r(2πn)
8. where n is the number of revolutions per second (RPS). The acceleration may be expressed in terms
of the number of revolutions per second by substituting this relationship in equation (3)
(5) ac = rω2 = r(2πn)2
9. Once r and n are determined, the centripetal force could be calculated as:
(6)F = 4π2mn2r
10. where m is the mass of the rotating body. It should also be noted that following Hook's Law, the
external force F necessary to produce a deformation d in an elastic body is given by the equation:
(7) F = kd
11. where the "force constant" k is defined numerically as the force necessary to cause unit deflection. In
this experiment, we are going to verify equation (6) for several values of m and r by comparing the
computed value of the centripetal force using this equation with the static force required to displace
the mass to the same radial position based on equation (7). In doing so, the centripetal acceleration
expression (equation (5)) will also be verified.

2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE (5 points)

✔ Insert any drawings, photos, or images that represent a basic set-up of the experiment (for example,
a photo of a complete experimental set-up).

✔ Identify and name all experimental variables (should be consistent with experimental data).
1. M - Mass
 2. R - Radius
3. T - Time
4. N - Number of Rotations Per Second
5. F - Force
✔ Do not need to rewrite the experimental procedure if it is the same as written in a lab manual but specify
or state if there is any procedure done other than in the lab manual.
➔ Experimental Setup:
◆ Equipment List:
i. Centripetal Force Apparatus Set
ii. Standard Weight Set
iii. 50g Weight Hanger
iv. Stopwatch
v. Vernier Caliper
vi. Ruler
vii. Bubble Level
viii. Digital Scale
◆ Set-Up:
i. The experimental setup is as Figure 2. It consists essentially of a heavy mass bifilarly
supported from a crossarm attached to a vertical shaft. The shaft is supported in a
metal housing on a wooden base. Radial and thrust bearings permit the shaft to rotate
freely without wobbling. The crossarm is counterbalanced. An adjustably positioned
vertical rod mounted on the base serves as a radius indicator. A ball-bearing pulley
mounted on a rod near one end of the base is used in measuring the force exerted by
a spring with which the mass is coupled to the shaft.
 ◆ Experimental Procedures and Data Analysis:
i. With the help of bubble level, adjust the lengths of three legs of the apparatus base to
ensure a horizontal
ii. Measure and record the mass (m) of the revolving object that undergoes the circular
motion. To change this value, add slotted weights. Place these weights on the mass
with the open end of the slot outward and secure in place with the knurled nut. Up to
100 g may be added.
iii. Set the radius of rotation by adjusting the position of the radial indicator rod. Use a
ruler and caliper to measure and record the radius. The radius of rotation is the
distance from the center of the top of the radius indicator rod to the axis of the vertical
shaft.
iv. Adjust the position of the crossarm such that the revolving mass hangs freely exactly
over the indicator when the spring is detached. Adjust the position of the
counterweight to make sure that the crossarm is horizontal (with the help of bubble
level).
v. Determine the static force required to displace the mass to the same radial position by
passing a string over the pulley with one end of the string hooked at the revolving
mass and another end of the string hooked with a weight hanger with weights added.
vi. With the revolving mass coupled to the vertical shaft by the spring, rotate the system
by applying torque with fingers on the knurled portion of the shaft. The rotation rate
can be adjusted to keep the mass passing directly over the indicator with a little
practice. A piece of white paper located to provide a light background helps see that
the rotating mass passes exactly over the indicator.
vii. Using a stopwatch, measure the rate of rotation (n) and record. For an accurate
determination of n, the time of 50 or more complete revolutions should be measured.
It is desirable to make three or more trials and average the results.
viii. Change the values of radius of rotation and values of revolving mass, repeat the
above procedures
ix. Calculate the centripetal acceleration (Eq. 5) and further the centripetal force (Eq. 6).
x. Compare the calculated force in step 8 with the measured force in step 4 b calculating
the percentage difference.
xi. Record all data in Data Table.

3 RESULTS (30 points in total)

3.1 EXPERIMENTAL DATA (15 points)
✔ Data should be complete and neatly presented in well-organized tables, lists, or charts.
 ✔ All data with a value should have a proper unit (SI unit) and variable name and be expressed in scientific
notation.

Data Table:
Trial Mass Radius Time of 50 Average RPS (n) Force Force % Diff
No. Revolutions Time of 50 Computed Measured
Revolutions

1 0.44795 kg 0.15 m 35.32 s 35.18 s 1.42 5.359 N 5.488 N 2.37%

35.11 s

35.12 s

2 0.49795 kg 0.15 m 36.64 s 36.38 s 1.37 5.570 N 5.488 N 1.48%

36.22 s

36.22 s

3 0.54795 kg 0.15 m 37.50 s 37.34 s 1.34 5.819 N 5.488 N 5.86%

37.25 s

37.26 s

4 0.99795 kg 0.15 m 38.27 s 38.06 s 1.31 6.111 N 5.488 N 10.74%

37.93 s

37.99 s

✔ If necessary, data should be displayed in a graph. Graphs should have a title with each axis labeled and
the unit indicated.
3.2 CALCULATION (15 points)
✔ Calculation with a proper equation must be clear and readable.
 ✔ Results from the calculation should reflect the significant figures of data measured in the
experiment.
✔ If necessary, results from the calculation should be displayed in a graph and/or summarized in a
table.

4 ANALYSIS and DISCUSSION (35 points)

✔ Clearly explain how the analysis was done (what physics theory/principles/concepts were used?)
✔ Show error analysis if applicable.
1. In this lab, we sought out to understand and verify the concept and definition of the centripetal force
and centripetal acceleration for a given system. Following our collection of the mass of the revolving
object, the radius of rotation, and the time that it took the setup to make 50 complete revolutions for
each of the four trials, we computed the rate of rotation (n) in Rotations Per Second, by dividing the
total number of Rotations (50) by the average time that it took the apparatus to complete those
rotations with their respective radius and mass combination in that particular trial. Since the net force
on an object is directly proportional to the acceleration experienced by that system, we understood
that by verifying the expression for Centripetal Force, we would simultaneously be verifying the
expression for Centripetal Acceleration. Therefore, we calculated the centripetal force for each of the
four trials using Equation 6. We then calculated the Theoretical Force for each trial by connecting a
hanging mass to the end of the revolving mass and measuring the amount of mass necessary to
draw out the revolving mass until it lines up with the indicator. As expected, the value for this force
was the same across all trials, simply since any added mass on the revolving mass only acts along
 the vertical axis, whereas the hanging mass acts on the horizontal axis. After this, we calculated the
percent difference between the measured force and computed force to attain an average percent
difference of 5.11%. This relatively low but still statistically significant level of error in our experiment
can purely be attributed to human error found throughout the experiment. For instance, the operator
of the stopwatch may have exhibited small amounts of delay in starting and or stopping the
stopwatch, slightly skewing our values for time. Furthermore, some error may have resulted from our
failure to properly keep the apparatus rotating at the appropriate constant speed where the
bottommost tip of the revolving mass perfectly lined up with the indicator on the board. This therefore
proves that the definition of centripetal force, and therefore centripetal acceleration, are indeed valid.

✔ Discuss whether your results are reasonable with error analysis and comparison with any physics
principles.
✔ Discuss if the results met the objectives for the lab.
The results met the objectives for the lab
✔ Use or cite any reference to support your discussion.
✔ Answer questions if given in a lab manual.

5 CONCLUSIONS (10 points)

✔ Convincingly describe what has been learned from the experiment.
Through the conduction of this experiment, I studied the motion of a body traveling with
constant speed in a circular path. By utilizing a revolving mass connected by a spring to a rotating
apparatus, we were able to prove the fact that centripetal force is equivalent to 4π2 times the mass of
the revolving object times the square of the Number of Rotations Per Second times the radius of
rotation. Since we know that the net force experienced by an object is directly proportional to the
acceleration of that object, we were therefore able to successfully prove the fact that the centripetal
acceleration is equivalent to 4π2 times the square of the Number of Rotations Per Second times the
radius of rotation. We were also able to see just how the centripetal force and acceleration acted upon
the revolving mass so that even though it maintained the same speed as it traveled along its circular
path, it did not maintain its velocity, as the direction of the mass was continually being changed.
✔ Comment on whether the experiment raised new questions.
The experiment did not raise new questions. It merely solidified past assumptions.
✔ Suggest changes in experimental design to improve your results.
Though the current experimental design and setup was more than sufficient to provide appropriate
results, there were some parts of the experiment that can be tweaked to increase both the precision
and accuracy of the collected data. Firstly, we could use an adjustable multi-speed electric motor to
properly keep the apparatus spinning at the appropriate constant speed where the bottommost tip of
the revolving mass lines up perfectly with the indicator. Secondly, we could have used the Pasco
Computer Software, combined with a rotary sensor, to precisely measure the exact time needed for the
revolving mass to complete 50 revolutions. Both of these adjustments would remove the possibility of
human error from the experiment, and therefore lead to more accurate results and a more confident
justification of the experimental objectives - to study the motion of a body traveling with constant speed
in a circular path and to verify the expression for centripetal acceleration and centripetal force.

6 Attachment of Raw Data (5 points)

✔ Unless otherwise instructed, the raw datasheet or its photocopy should be attached. The raw data
 should be checked and signed by a lab instructor.

7 Style (5 points)
✔ A4 page, Font: Arial, Font size: 11 pt, Single line spacing, Left margin: 2 cm, Right, Top, Bottom
margins: 1 cm. For lab reports prepared using the LaTeX typesetting system the requirements
are the same, excepting font.