Centripetal Force Proportionality Check

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proportionality relationships between centripetal force (F), mass (m), frequency (f), and radius (r). Key equations established include F ∝ f², r ∝ F², and m ∝ F², leading to the conclusion that F ∝ mf²/r. The participants clarify that the correct expression for centripetal force is F = mv²/r, and they emphasize the need to accurately define frequency (f) in relation to radius (r) to avoid errors in deriving these relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of consistent variable definitions and the impact of experimental data quality on conclusions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its formula (F = mv²/r)
  • Knowledge of frequency and its relation to rotational motion
  • Familiarity with proportionality statements in physics
  • Basic skills in graph interpretation and data analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal force from circular motion principles
  • Learn about the relationship between frequency and angular velocity
  • Explore the impact of experimental errors on data interpretation
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and radius on centripetal force
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and centripetal motion, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to force and motion.

Weird Fishes
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Homework Statement



Write a proportionality statement for F, m, f and r using your three proportionality statements.

Homework Equations


F = centripetal force
f = frequency
m = mass
r = radius

F \propto f^2

r \propto F^2

m \propto F^2

The Attempt at a Solution




m \propto F^2 & r \propto F^2
therefore: m \propto r
m/r \propto F^2/F^2 \propto some constant
F \propto m/r . f^2
F \propto mf^2/r

which matches F \propto mv^2/r as f^2 \propto v^2

Edit: I removed all the tex tags because they messed everything up, hope this is still understandable

Thank you in advance:smile:
 
Last edited:
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Weird Fishes said:
F \propto f^2

okay...

Weird Fishes said:
r \propto F^2

Not quite sure I get this. If the orbital frequency is to remain constant, then r ~ F.

If the orbital speed is to remain constant, then F ~ 1/r

Weird Fishes said:
m \propto F^2

not sure I get this either...
 
We did a lab in class and those were the proportionality statements I came up with.

They might be wrong, we used very poor equipment and the data is nopt very good, nor is there much to work from.

Here are the two graphs that I based my last two proportionality statements off of:
attachment.php?attachmentid=16291&d=1226259979.gif
attachment.php?attachmentid=16292&d=1226259979.gif


See what I mean about the bad data? I was pretty sure about the mass graph, though...

I guess I should have clarified that the rest of the variables were constant for the proportionality statements.

Thanks again.
 

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I suppose you know how the centripetal force is expressed in terms of m, v, and r?

All you need now is to rewrite v in terms of f and r. That will tell you how F depends on f,m, and r.

Your answer, F\propto m f^2/r, is certainly not correct.
 
borgwal said:
I suppose you know how the centripetal force is expressed in terms of m, v, and r?

All you need now is to rewrite v in terms of f and r. That will tell you how F depends on f,m, and r.

Your answer, F\propto m f^2/r, is certainly not correct.

F=mv^2/r

f=rotations/time
f=2nr/t

v=d/t
2nr~d therefore v~f right?

which would give me F~mf^2/r

Where did I go wrong then?
 
You went wrong in your definition of f.
 
borgwal said:
You went wrong in your definition of f.

Ah, I see. To bad I have to go to work now, anyway, thanks.

How does radius relate to Force though, Is my graph correct?
 
I cannot see your graphs...they are pending approval.
 
Sorry, didn't look at that.

Is r~F or r~F^2? (if everything else is constant)
 
  • #10
if by "everything else" you mean f and m, then r ~ F
 
  • #11
How's this look:

v=\frac{d}{t}
f=rot/t
1rot=2 \pi r^2
f2 \pi r^2=v
F= \frac{4 \pi^2 m r^2 f^2}{r} = 4 \pi^2 m r f^2

Edit: I changed the graphs and the lines were just as poor, so I don't know why I decided to square them in the first place, thanks for pointing that out.
 
Last edited:

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