Slightly confused regarding centripetal force, radius and frequency

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between centripetal force, radius, and frequency in the context of circular motion, as posed by the original poster in relation to their lab report.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the inverse relationship between radius and frequency based on the rearranged formula for radius. They question whether their reasoning about the effects on centripetal force is correct. Other participants inquire about the nature of the circular motion and the specifics of the setup being discussed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and seeking clarification on the setup and mechanics of circular motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationships between the variables, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering various scenarios for circular motion, including practical experiments and theoretical interpretations, while questioning the specifics of the objects and their attachments in the setup.

chris_0101
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Homework Statement


Hello everybody,

I have a question that is tied into my lab report regarding centripetal force. The question asks if the frequency of rotation were to increase how would the radius r and the centripetal force change?


Homework Equations



2\pif = v/r

rearrange for r:

r = v/(2\pif)

a = r(ω^2)

F_c = m*a

The Attempt at a Solution



By observing the formula rearranged for r, I believe that the radius is inversely proportional to frequency - so in this case as frequency increases, the radius will decreases.
Is this statement correct?

Since acceleration is dependent on radius and if the radius decreases so does the acceleration due to the direct proportionality between acceleration and radius. This ultimately means that the centripetal force is decreased as well when the frequency is increased
Is this statement also correct?

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
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chris_0101 said:

Homework Statement


Hello everybody,

I have a question that is tied into my lab report regarding centripetal force. The question asks if the frequency of rotation were to increase how would the radius r and the centripetal force change?


Homework Equations



2\pif = v/r

rearrange for r:

r = v/(2\pif)

a = r(ω^2)

F_c = m*a

The Attempt at a Solution



By observing the formula rearranged for r, I believe that the radius is inversely proportional to frequency - so in this case as frequency increases, the radius will decreases.
Is this statement correct?

Since acceleration is dependent on radius and if the radius decreases so does the acceleration due to the direct proportionality between acceleration and radius. This ultimately means that the centripetal force is decreased as well when the frequency is increased
Is this statement also correct?

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

How is this circular motion being achieved? - what is going in a circle.

The question can be easily interpreted if it is a satellite around the Earth.

Is this the standard prac where you rotate a rubber stopper on a fishing line with a bunch of washers hanging from the fishing line?
 
I should have been more specific. Circular motion is achieved by an object spinning around an axis.
 
chris_0101 said:
I should have been more specific. Circular motion is achieved by an object spinning around an axis.

how is it attached to the axis? What is the object? What is it made of?
 

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