Uniform Circular Motion; Need help with deriving equations.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics lab focused on uniform circular motion, specifically measuring frequency in relation to mass, radius, and tension force. Participants are exploring the relationships between these variables and how they affect the frequency of revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the variables being measured and manipulated, questioning the nature of the relationships being tested. There are attempts to find proportionalities and derive equations relating frequency to tension, radius, and mass. Some participants suggest graphical analysis to interpret relationships.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about the definitions of frequency and period. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of graphs and the need for clarity in the measurements being used. Multiple interpretations of the data are being explored, particularly concerning the graphical representation of frequency.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the graphs must include the origin and discuss the implications of using time period instead of frequency in their analysis. There is a recognition of potential discrepancies in the results due to measurement errors or misinterpretations.

n3w ton
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi I'm doing a physics lab about uniform circular motion to measure frequency and to compare it to mass,radius and force tension.

(A & B) I did
(C,D, E) I need help

(a) What variables are being measured / manipulated in this lab? What type of relationship is being tested? (radius, mass, force tension/force causing centripetal force)

(b) Graph the relationship between the frequency of revolution and each of the following:
• the magnitude of the tension force [force causing the circular motion(centripetal force)]
• the radius of the circular path
• the mass of the object

**■→(c) Find the proportionalities between frequency of revolution and the variables in radius, mass, and force of tension/centripetal force.

**■→(d) Derive an equation for the frequency in terms of the tension, the radius, and the mass by combining your results from (c) and using your results from (b) to verify.

**■→(e) The following relationship gives the magnitude of the net force causing the acceleration of an object in uniform circular motion:
Fc = 4π²mrf²
Rearrange this equation to isolate the frequency. Compare this result with the equation you derived in (d). Indicate the likely causes for any discrepancies.

Data: http://i.imgur.com/dLpyP.png

Frequency vs Force Graph: http://i.imgur.com/fyFci.png

Frequency vs Mass Graph: http://i.imgur.com/GJ2ms.png

Frequency vs Radius Graph: http://i.imgur.com/JtxbR.png

Homework Equations


Fc = 4π²mrf²


The Attempt at a Solution


C) and D) I am stuck at

E)
Fc = 4π²mrf²
\sqrt{}\frac{Fc}{4π²mr}
 
Physics news on Phys.org
n3w ton said:

Homework Statement


Hi I'm doing a physics lab about uniform circular motion to measure frequency and to compare it to mass,radius and force tension.

(A & B) I did
(C,D, E) I need help

(a) What variables are being measured / manipulated in this lab? What type of relationship is being tested? (radius, mass, force tension/force causing centripetal force)

(b) Graph the relationship between the frequency of revolution and each of the following:
• the magnitude of the tension force [force causing the circular motion(centripetal force)]
• the radius of the circular path
• the mass of the object

**■→(c) Find the proportionalities between frequency of revolution and the variables in radius, mass, and force of tension/centripetal force.

**■→(d) Derive an equation for the frequency in terms of the tension, the radius, and the mass by combining your results from (c) and using your results from (b) to verify.

**■→(e) The following relationship gives the magnitude of the net force causing the acceleration of an object in uniform circular motion:
Fc = 4π²mrf²
Rearrange this equation to isolate the frequency. Compare this result with the equation you derived in (d). Indicate the likely causes for any discrepancies.

Data: http://i.imgur.com/dLpyP.png

Frequency vs Force Graph: http://i.imgur.com/fyFci.png

Frequency vs Mass Graph: http://i.imgur.com/GJ2ms.png

Frequency vs Radius Graph: http://i.imgur.com/JtxbR.png

Homework Equations


Fc = 4π²mrf²


The Attempt at a Solution


C) and D) I am stuck at

E)
Fc = 4π²mrf²
\sqrt{}\frac{Fc}{4π²mr}

Your graphs are not extensive enough - they must include the origin (0,0) - not necessarily as a point, but with the axes long enough for them to show up.

With graphical analysis, the only line you can confidently interpret is a straight line passing through the origin.

if y vs x is not straight, you can try y vs 1/x or y vs x2 or or y vs 1/x2 or y vs x2 of y vs √x or y vs 1/√x to see if any of them are a straight line through the origin [or close - there may be uncertainties in your measurements]

suppose y vs 1/√x was such a straight line.

That means y is proportional to 1/√x or y = k/√x or y2x = k
 
uhmm.. time for one cycle is 1/frequency.
 
MrWarlock616 said:
uhmm.. time for one cycle is 1/frequency.

Looking at your results, I am not sure the figure you call frequency is in fact frequency.
It looks more like the Period to me - ie the time for one cycle.
You possibly need to follow the step you mention above.
 
PeterO said:
Looking at your results, I am not sure the figure you call frequency is in fact frequency.
It looks more like the Period to me - ie the time for one cycle.
You possibly need to follow the step you mention above.
Yes exactly, that's what I said. The graphs are obviously wrong because he has used time period instead of frequency.
peter, I didn't ask this question..n3w ton did. :P
 

Similar threads

Replies
55
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
9K
Replies
1
Views
916
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K