Centripetal Force Physics Lab Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics lab involving centripetal force, specifically focusing on plotting a graph of Radius versus FT^2 and comparing the slope to a theoretical value. Participants are seeking clarification on the definitions and relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of FT^2 and its components, as well as which variable should be plotted on the y-axis. There is an exploration of the relationships between net force, mass, radius, and time in the context of centripetal motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the formulas related to centripetal force and suggesting that FT^2 may be a misunderstanding. There is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation of FT^2 or the appropriate graphing approach, but various interpretations and clarifications are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the definitions of variables and the theoretical framework necessary for the lab, indicating potential gaps in foundational knowledge that may affect their understanding of the task.

dystorsion
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I need help with this lab I'm doing involving swinging a mass in a circle (I'm sure you guys have heard of it). I have to plot a graph of Radius vs. FT^2 and then compare the value of the slope to its theoretical value.

A couple questions:
Which goes on the y axis? Radius or FT^2?
How do I ascertain the theoretical value of the slope to compare to?

Thanks,
Dystorsion
 
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What is FT^2??
 
I have no clue. I'm just multiplying F with T^2.

I've done some research to help myself, though I still don't know what's going on. Here's the link I found, scroll down to the bottom for the tidbit on FT^2.

http://www.mysci.net/pages/physics1/Labs/centripetalforce.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ok then. What are F and T^2. Sorry but I can't access links from where I am.
 
I see...the link already gives you what you need. You should already know that Net Force = ma and Net Centripetal Force = mv^2/r. v = 2(pi)r/T, in which T is time. Therefore, all that was done was that using these formulas and plugging in values, the Net Force = ma = mv^2/r = 4(pi)^2Rm/T^2. I don't think its FT^2, I think you're confusing it for just F.
---To answer the question about the axes, F goes on the y-axis and Radius goes on the x-axis; consider it as for you increase or decrease the radius, you'll retrieve another value for F.
---To explain about the situation with FT^2 being mistaken for F, is that
FT^2 = 4(pi)^2Rm, which I can't really identify (its not acceleration or the velocity). Using just F is the centripetal force, and you would graph whether F increases as the radius increases (the slope is I suppose deltaF/deltaT). Then again, I'm not exactly completely sure that this is the answer, its just I can not identify FT^2.
---If its any help...if it really is FT^2, then the slope should identify FT^2/R, in which it is equal to 4(pi)^2m; if you could find what that means, then you would be able to find out what the slope refers to.
 

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