Centripetal Acceleration lab graph

[sarujin]

I have a lab that needs a graph, and my calculations seem logical, but I need some affirmation. In this lab we spun a string with a stopper attached at one end and some weights at the other end. We had to keep a part of the string at the same point while spinning and therefore it moved at a constant angular velocity, right? ( http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/schools/phs/staff/academ/klindsay/Web/lindsay/Pre-AP/MomRot/Lab%20Circ%20Mot.htm ) is the lab, if you need more explanation of the lab. In our calculations we have to graph Centripetal Acceleration vs. omega, the angular velocity. Using the equation F = ma... the force is weight (pulling on the stopper spinning), which is mg. Then mg = ma, then g = a.

In other words, if something is going at a constant velocity around your head in a circle and not falling, centripetal acceleration equals acceleration due to gravity?

Thanks!

 

[sarujin]

If centripetal acceleration equals acceleration due to gravity, then it would stay where it was, in a circle (because its centripetal acceleration)?

 

[ShawnD]

Originally posted by sarujin
In other words, if something is going at a constant velocity around your head in a circle and not falling, centripetal acceleration equals acceleration due to gravity?

a = v^2/r

centripetal acceleration has absolutely nothing to do with gravitational force.