What are some experiments combining centripetal force and water properties?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential experiments that combine centripetal force and the properties of water. Participants are seeking creative and educational ideas for a physics project, with a focus on practical applications and demonstrations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests swinging a full bucket in a vertical circle as a possible experiment.
  • Another proposes demonstrating how quickly sandy water becomes clear using a centrifuge.
  • A third idea mentioned involves observing the parabola formed when stirring tea in a circular motion.
  • One participant considers using a garden sprinkler that rotates due to water being forced out of nozzles, noting the interesting physics involved.
  • A later reply references a story about the behavior of the sprinkler when water is sucked in, providing a link for further exploration.
  • There is a discussion about whether the parabola formed when stirring tea is indeed a valid demonstration, with one participant questioning the validity of the claim based on prior classroom experiences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a lack of consensus on the validity of certain experiments, particularly regarding the parabola formed when stirring tea. There are multiple competing ideas for experiments, and some participants indicate that they have already encountered certain suggestions in class.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations regarding available apparatus, indicating that certain experiments may require equipment not easily accessible in a typical classroom setting.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators looking for innovative physics experiments that incorporate centripetal force and water properties, particularly in a project or classroom setting.

shirel
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Hi,

I'm looking for ideas for experiments, which use both centripetal force and water properties.

(I need it as a part of my project in physics)

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Is swinging a full bucket in a vertical circle too standard?
Another is to demonstrate how quickly sandy water becomes clear in a centrifuge.
Then there is the parabola formed when you stir the tea in a circle.
 
Hi clem, first of all thank you very much!

Unfortunately, my physics teacher has already shown us these few execrsies in class, as an example for the excersises I should demonstarte.. :rolleyes:

If you/ someone else still have more ideas, i'll really appreciate your help.
 
Apparatus may be a problem so I am thinking along the lines of using a garden sprinkler, the type that rotates when water is forced out of two nozzles facing in opposite directions and at the ends of a rotating arm.These can be picked up very cheaply at a D.I.Y.shop or a garden centre.There is some really meaty physics involved in this and you may have to do some of your investigation outside the lab.
 
Sounds good, thank you!
 
Dadface said:
Apparatus may be a problem so I am thinking along the lines of using a garden sprinkler, the type that rotates when water is forced out of two nozzles facing in opposite directions and at the ends of a rotating arm.These can be picked up very cheaply at a D.I.Y.shop or a garden centre.There is some really meaty physics involved in this and you may have to do some of your investigation outside the lab.

There's a famous Feynman story about whether if you suck the water in the thing will turn in the opposite direction ...

eg. http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1988AmJPh..56..307H (I didn't read, it's just a link to get a search started in case you are interested.)
 
clem said:
Then there is the parabola formed when you stir the tea in a circle.

shirel said:
Unfortunately, my physics teacher has already shown us these few execrsies in class, as an example for the excersises I should demonstarte.. :rolleyes:

Were you really shown that it is a parabola?
 
My teacher has already shown it through a video clip (on the computer), as an example. So I have to make other experiments..
 

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