Question regarding Centripetal Acceleration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating centripetal acceleration using two formulas: Acceleration Centripetal = Force Centripetal / Mass and Acceleration Centripetal = Velocity² / Radius. The results obtained were .625 from the first formula and .631 from the second formula, indicating a close approximation. The accuracy of these calculations depends on the precision of the measurements taken, including the force, mass, velocity, and radius. Participants emphasize the importance of evaluating measurement errors to determine which formula yields a more accurate result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with basic physics formulas
  • Knowledge of measurement techniques in laboratory settings
  • Ability to analyze measurement errors and their impact on calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research measurement techniques for force and mass in physics experiments
  • Learn about error analysis and its application in experimental physics
  • Explore advanced topics in centripetal motion and its applications
  • Investigate the impact of measurement precision on experimental results
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting physics experiments, educators teaching centripetal motion, and anyone interested in improving accuracy in scientific measurements.

accesskb
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Hi I'm doing a lab report on centripetal acceleration and we are asked to find the centripetal acceleration using 2 formulas.
(1)Acceleration Centripetal=Force Centripetal/Mass

(2)Acceleration Centripetal=Velocity^2/Radius

I get answers that are very close but I also have to answer the question (Which value of Acceleration Centripetal would be considered more accurate? ie: which formula would be more accurate?)

hope someone can help me out here. thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The formulas should yield the same "accuracy". The difference will be in your ability to measure. Which of your measurements are the most accurate?
 
I get answers that are very very close. .625 for the first formula and .631 with the second formula
 
What measurements did you make? How did you make them? What are the measurement errors?

You need to consider the answers to these questions in order to determine which of the given forumlas yield the best answer.
 

Similar threads

High School Why is speed constant when centripetal acceleration is constant?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
High School Confusion while trying to build intuition of centripetal force
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
High School Gravitational acceleration in circular motion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Origin of Centripetal force when the net force toward the center is 0?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad How do we provide centripetal force in this situation?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Graduate Solving for Constant Centripetal Acceleration: Understanding Spiral Motion
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Rotating plate thrown parallel to ground
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad About centripetal acceleration
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
High School The Effect of Linear and Rotational Motion on Measured Weight
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
744
Graduate Relative Centripetal Acceleration
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K