Centripetal Force Lab: Calculate Proportionality & Plot Data

In summary, The conversation is about a lab involving finding proportionality statements and graphing them to get a straight line. The question in this lab is different as it requires rearranging the data for the frequency and plotting it on graph paper to determine the equation for the relationship. The equation can be found by calculating the constant of proportionality. One person mentions doing a similar lab and manipulating the centripetal force formula to isolate the term for frequency. Another person asks about the meaning of 10 s^-1, which is equivalent to 10 cycles per second or 10 hertz.
  • #1
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I need help with a question on my lab, I am used to finding proportionality statements between sets of data and graphing it to get a straight line. But this question is different. Anyways here's the data i have. Oh you the lab is on Centripetal Force

frequency/Force
1.02 / 5
1.33 / 10
1.65 / 15
1.87 / 20

The slashes just separate the numbers so they don't bunch up.

Here the question i need help on.

Rearrange the data for the frequency in such a manner as you think will result in a straight line when plotted. Plot this data on graph paper#2. What is the equation for this relationship by calculating the constant of proportionality.
 
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  • #2
I just did a lab like this a few days ago, although I am sure I did a terrible job :-p

I did not do frequecy, I did period vs. force, but frequency is 1/T, so it should not be terribly different. You must first manipulate your centripetal force formula in such a wat that you have insolated your term(s) for frequency, then you will be able to work out a mathematical relationship, which for me was T is inversely proportional to the root of ceptripetal force. Rather than plotting my graph T vs. Force, I plotted it as T vs. 1/sqrt(force), which straightens your graph.
 
  • #3
another quick question. If in one of the questions it says the frequency is 10 s^-1 what does that mean? does it mean??
 
  • #4
10 cycles per second, or 10 hertz. Raising a unit to the negative one is a fancy way of putting it in the denominator.
 

FAQ: Centripetal Force Lab: Calculate Proportionality & Plot Data

What is the purpose of a Centripetal Force Lab?

The purpose of a Centripetal Force Lab is to investigate the relationship between the centripetal force applied to an object and its resulting acceleration, as well as to calculate the proportionality constant between the two variables.

What materials are needed for a Centripetal Force Lab?

The materials needed for a Centripetal Force Lab typically include a rotating platform, a string, a mass hanger, various masses, a stopwatch, a ruler or meter stick, and a device for measuring the velocity of the rotating object.

How do you calculate the proportionality constant in a Centripetal Force Lab?

The proportionality constant, also known as the centripetal force constant, can be calculated by dividing the square of the velocity of the rotating object by the radius of its circular path. This can be represented by the equation Fc = mv^2/r, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

What are the safety precautions to consider during a Centripetal Force Lab?

Some safety precautions to consider during a Centripetal Force Lab include wearing safety goggles to protect the eyes from any flying objects, making sure the rotating platform is stable and secured to prevent any accidents, and using caution when handling heavy masses to avoid any injuries.

What are some possible sources of error in a Centripetal Force Lab?

Some possible sources of error in a Centripetal Force Lab include friction between the string and the rotating object, air resistance, and human error in reading and recording data. It is important to minimize these sources of error as much as possible to obtain accurate results.

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