Why Doesn't the Centering Ring Shift Immediately When Angles Change?

[swm06]

Homework Statement

1) Why does the centering ring not start to shift as soon as you change the angle?

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

1) It does not shift because the equilibrium of the resultant vector can vary from -1.5 degrees to 2 degrees based on our data.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Welcome to PF;
The question is meaningless to anyone who has not seen the same thing you have - please describe the context.

Off what you've written, if I was setting that sort of question I'd expect a student to show more understanding than that. What is it that causes the effect? How is it that the equilibrium of the resultant vector can vary from -1.5 degrees to 2 degrees?

 

[Basic_Physics]

How many forces are applied to the centering ring? Three?
Which angle is changed?

 

[Simon Bridge]

Looked up some terms ... I'm guessing the setup is something like this:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/u3l3a.cfm

... still need to know the exact setup.

 

[Basic_Physics]

Yes. The centering ring is in the middle. The strings are tied to it. It needs to be centred on the middle of the degree scale marked off on the edge of the disc.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Why does it "need" to be centered?
In what sort of situations is it is not centered?

What is the angle that you are changing?

 

[Basic_Physics]

The centre of the degree scale is in the center of the table.
The ring floats above the table due to the tensions in the strings and can thus be positioned anywhere - as long as equilibrium is maintained by it being at that point of cause.
That is exactly what we need to find out from the student. I think the question refers to the degree scale being rotated.

 

[swm06]

This is my lab report. In is the data and my answer to the question. I know it has to do with friction but is it kenetic friction or did i answer the question correctly.

 

[swm06]

Any help please?