Circular Motion Experiment: Velocity^2 vs. Radius Analysis

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a circular motion experiment where the user measured the time for one revolution of a rubber bung on a string, varying the radius for each trial. The user successfully derived velocity and plotted Velocity^2 against Radius, resulting in a linear line of best fit. To obtain the formula for acceleration, a = V^2/r, the user needs to calculate the slope of the fit line from their graph. This slope directly correlates to the acceleration in the context of circular motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion principles
  • Familiarity with graphing linear relationships
  • Basic knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Experience with data analysis and slope calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the slope of the Velocity^2 vs. Radius graph
  • Explore the relationship between acceleration and radius in circular motion
  • Review the derivation of the formula a = V^2/r
  • Investigate experimental errors in circular motion experiments
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone conducting experiments related to circular motion and kinematics will benefit from this discussion.

smashingtime
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Homework Statement


Hi, I conducted a circular motion experiment--with a rubber bung & string through a plastic tube. I changed the radius of the string every trial, calculated the amount of time for one revolution, and from that derived velocity and velocity^2.

With my data, I graphed Velocity^2 against Radius. I found a linear line of best fit for the graph.
From here, how should I proceed to obtain the formula acceleration = V^2/r?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
a=v^2/r => v^2=a*r

so you need slope of your fit line
 

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