How can I back up my answers for a physics experiment?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around centripetal motion, specifically examining the relationship between radius, period, and other variables in a physics experiment. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the effects of changing the radius on the period, force, and speed of an object in circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how changing the radius affects the period of motion and whether the radius is proportional to the period. They also question the nature of the graph relating radius to the square of the period and seek clarification on manipulating formulas to prove relationships.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's reasoning, indicating that certain interpretations may be correct. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of all answers, and the discussion remains open with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions missing class time due to illness, which may contribute to their uncertainty about the material. They express a desire to ensure their understanding is accurate before submitting their practical work.

lord_blurg
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Hi, I missed two weeks of physics at school due to illness and I am having a hard time understanding a lot of the things our teacher set us to do. So I have these questions...

1. If an object is spinning in centripetal motion (View the dodgy diagram I made)

View Image 'Diagram.png'

If I were to change the radius of the string would the period (The time it takes for one complete revolution) change assuming the masses are kept constant? If the radius is changed will the force change on the plug? Will the speed of the plug change?

2. If the radius does not effect the period in any way, does that mean the radius is directly proportional to the period and thus r = T. (The equal sign is meant to be a proportional sign but I don't know how to do them with these forums)

3. If I were to draw a graph of r against T^2 would the graph appear linear or curved. What would the slope represent? Would it represent the acceleration, speed, or force.

4. View Image 'formula.png'

If I wanted to prove this, all I would do is get one of the formulas and substitute in all the variables which are in the formula I am trying to get proven right? Therefore I would have something which looks like this...

a=(2(pi)r/T)^2/r

And then I would have to manipulate that into the formula I am trying to prove... How in the heck would I do that lol.

I have done everything here but am trying to back up my answers. The only one I haven't done is number 4 and a just wondering if I am on the right track. The other questions I think I have gotten right but I am not completely basing my answers on fact but on the knowledge I have gotten from my teacher. I don't want to hand up a practical and be completely wrong =/
 

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The links don't work.
 
Don't know why it didnt work... should work now.

Thankyou.
 
Your Blurgship, this is correct

1. a=(2(pi)r/T)^2/r
--> a = 4*r*pi^2/T^2
--> r = a*T^2/(4*pi^2)
 

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