Centripetal Force Experiment question

[Stardrops]

Homework Statement

We had an experiment where you have two masses on either side of a string and you swing one in a circle,while the other hangs vertically down(providing Fg).

"When you swing the mass in a circle, your hand most likely moved in a small circle. What effect does this have on the results?"

Homework Equations

I'm guessing they are asking -> How will it affect Centripetal force formula F=(mv^2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution

Not really quite sure what your hand does to it though

 

[pgardn]

Homework Statement

We had an experiment where you have two masses on either side of a string and you swing one in a circle,while the other hangs vertically down(providing Fg).

"When you swing the mass in a circle, your hand most likely moved in a small circle. What effect does this have on the results?"

Homework Equations

I'm guessing they are asking -> How will it affect Centripetal force formula F=(mv^2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution

Not really quite sure what your hand does to it though

How did you measure r in the lab? would it change this measurement?

 

[pgardn]

You might also ask yourself what happened when you stopped making the small circles with your fingers/hand. Did you notice anything about the motion and path of the mass that was making the circular path that was different if you just let it go by itself after getting it started?

 

[Stardrops]

How did you measure r in the lab? would it change this measurement?

The r was given .20 m and we made a mark and tried to keep the mass twirling that dist. away from the tube we were holding on to