Is the Graph of Period vs. Radius in Circular Motion a Straight Line or a Curve?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the period and radius in the context of uniform circular motion, specifically examining whether the graph of period versus radius is linear or curved based on experimental data and theoretical expectations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze their lab data and is uncertain about the nature of the graph they have plotted. They mention conflicting observations between their data and theoretical expectations, particularly regarding the log-log plot. Other participants raise questions about the implications of constant values in the context of circular motion and express their own uncertainties about the underlying equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the relationship between period and radius. Some guidance is offered regarding the theoretical expectations, but there is no explicit consensus on the nature of the graph based on the data presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they have not been provided with specific equations related to the experiment, which may impact their ability to draw conclusions from the data. There is also mention of potential flaws in the data points collected by the original poster.

JohnSimpson
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Hi, I've recently done a lab where we are investigating circular motion. I've plotted a graph of Period vs. Radius, but I'm unable to tell if a straight line or some sort of curve would be better suited to the graph.

I've also plotted log-Period vs. log-Radius and it was a straight line which makes me think that the graph of T vs. R should be a curve, but when I look at my (possibly very flawed) data points a straight line seems better suited.

In short, my question is, is the graph of Period vs. Radius for uniform circular motion a straight line or a curve?

Edit: Forgot to mention this is the ol' rubber stopper on the end of a string and your swinging the whole thing around by holding onto a glass tube, with the weight being on the other end of the string)
 
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HINT: Given that the centripetal force is the same in all cases, what is the relationship between T and R?
 
I wish I knew.
 
What would you conclude if \omega^2 r is a constant?
 
We havn't been told any equations so I have no idea what that means
 
I'm fairly sure that if the experiment went according to theory, the graph would be a straight line.

I'm saying this because we did a lab like this, and all of our graphs were supposed to be straight lines to show a direct relationship.
 
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