Centripetal Lab- finding the mass from the slope

In summary, the conversation discusses a centripetal force lab where a rubber stopper is attached to a string and moving in a horizontal circle at a constant radius. The lab collected data for different masses and the task is to plot Fc vs v^2 and find the slope of the line to determine the mass of the rubber stopper. The equation used is Fc=mv^2/r and the values in the table appear to have units associated with them. The individual is having trouble finding the correct equation and asks for help.
  • #1
wispydog
1
0

Homework Statement


The lab: Centripetal Force Lab
a Rubber stopper is moving in a horizontal circle at a constant radius and it is attached to a string where at the bottom, there is a mass where the mass is 100g, 150g, 200g, 250, and 300g (can see image attached)

from the lab, I collected data for each mass and now we have to plot Fc vs v^2 and draw a line of best fit and find the slope of the line. In relation to the line, try to find the mass of the rubber stopper.
(i attached another image that has my data points)

Homework Equations


I'm not too sure but
Fc= mv^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I keep on finding that the equation is 0.156 on excel but Idk where to go from here. [/B]
 

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  • #2
Hi wispydog,

Welcome to Physics Forums!

Can you give us some details about how you arrived at the values in your table? What are the units associated with the values?
 

1. How do you perform a centripetal lab to find the mass from the slope?

The first step is to set up the equipment, which typically includes a string, a mass hanger, and a stopwatch. Next, attach the mass hanger to the string and swing it in a circular motion. Measure the radius of the circle and record the time it takes for the mass to complete one revolution. Repeat this process multiple times with different masses. Then, use the formula m = r * (2π/T)^2 to calculate the mass for each trial. Finally, plot the mass and the squared period on a graph and find the slope, which represents the mass.

2. What is the purpose of a centripetal lab?

The purpose of a centripetal lab is to determine the mass of an object through its centripetal force and the radius and time of its circular motion. This is done by using the formula m = r * (2π/T)^2, where m is the mass, r is the radius, and T is the period of the motion.

3. What is the relationship between the slope and the mass in a centripetal lab?

In a centripetal lab, the slope of the graph of mass versus the squared period is directly proportional to the mass. This means that as the slope increases, the mass also increases. This relationship is represented by the formula m = slope * (r/2π)^2, where r is the radius of the circular motion.

4. How does the radius affect the results in a centripetal lab?

The radius has a significant effect on the results in a centripetal lab. As the radius increases, the centripetal force decreases, resulting in a smaller mass needed to maintain the circular motion. This can be seen in the formula m = r * (2π/T)^2, where a larger radius results in a smaller mass.

5. What are some sources of error in a centripetal lab?

Some sources of error in a centripetal lab include friction in the string or the pivot point, air resistance, and human error in measuring the radius and time. To minimize these errors, it is important to use a smooth and taut string, reduce air resistance by swinging the mass close to the ground, and take multiple measurements for each trial.

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