Name:

Circular Force Lab

Open the simulation with the link above and explore the capabilities of it.
https://www.thephysicsaviary.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/ClassicCircularForceLab/index.html

Answer the Prelab Questions before beginning the lab:

1. Look at Newton swinging the object in a circle, what part of the
system is keeping the object moving in a circle?

2. If the string is cut, what would the revolving object do?

3. What would happen if the washers were not hanging from the string?

4. Does the mass of the object being swung around affect its motion?

5. Does the length of the string attached to the object affect the motion of the object?

Procedure

This lab will let you determine the speed needed to keep an object in circular motion. You will be
able to change the force holding the object in a circle by clicking on the washers (each washer is
10 grams). You can adjust the radius of the circle by clicking on the piece of yellow masking tape
that is just below the tube. You can also change the mass of the moving object using the arrows.

Find the velocity of the object by timing 10 revolutions. This way we eliminate the human error, to
an extent. You will want to divide the time for 10 revolutions by 10 to obtain the average time for 1
revolution.

1
Question: What is the relationship between the length of the string (radius) and the force (washers)
needed to keep the object going in a circle?

Hypothesis:

Part 1

If there are more washers hanging (source of centripetal force), then the speed of the object going
around the circle will be [Faster or Slower]. Pick one to complete your hypothesis.

Independent variable: Centripetal Force

Dependent Variable: ________________

Part 2

If the string (radius) is longer, then the speed of the object going around the circle will be [Faster or
Slower]. Pick one to complete your hypothesis.

Independent variable: Radius

Dependent Variable: ________________

Experiment and Collect Data

Part 1 = Force vs Velocity

Tap the piece of tape yellow tape until the radius is 100cm. Change the amount of washers
hanging from the string for each trial but keep all other variables constant:

Table A
Radius Amount of Elapsed Time Time for 1 Calculate the centripetal
(m) washers for 10 Revolution velocity of the object
Revolutions (Divide Time for
10 revolutions by
Vc = 2𝝅r/t
(These are hanging on
the string and providing the number 10)
the Centripetal Force) (s) (m/s)
(s)

2
Conclude

Describe how the amount of washers hanging (centripetal force) affects the speed of the object
going around the circle:

Part 2 = Radius vs Velocity

Place 14 washers on the bottom of the string by tapping on the washers. Change the radius for
each trial by tapping on the yellow piece of tape but keep all other variables constant.

Table B
Radius Elapsed Time for 10 Time for 1 Revolution Calculate the centripetal
(length of string) Revolutions (Divide Time for velocity of the object
10 revolutions by the number 10)
(m)
(s) Vc = 2𝝅r/t
(s)
Convert cm to m
by moving (m/s)
decimal 2 times
to the left

Conclude

Describe how the length of string (radius) affects the speed of the object going around the circle:

3
Part 3

Ms. Litt wanted to see what happens to the system as the mass of the object rotating is changed.
Design an experiment to test how the mass of the object rotating affects either the speed or the
amount of Force needed. You may explore F, radius, or speed when designing your experiment.
Remember, like above, you should only be changing one variable at a time.

Fill this out to make sure you have given me enough information and designed a controlled
experiment

What are you going

to test? (It must
include something
about the mass of
the object rotating)

Independent
Variable

Dependent Variable

What will you keep

constant?

What data will you

collect?

What do you expect

as your results?
(Hypothesis)

You may run your experiment if you want!