Physics lab practical (Centripetal Force)

In summary, the conversation discusses the need to come up with a lab to determine the centripetal force of a cork as it rolls down a ramp. The equation Fc = (mv^2)/r is mentioned, but there is uncertainty over which velocity to use in the equation. It is clarified that the velocity in the equation refers to the tangential velocity of the rolling object, which in this case is the velocity of the cork rolling down the ramp assuming it has enough friction to not slide.
  • #1
huymai
2
0
physics lab practical! (Centripetal Force)

Homework Statement


I need help to come up with a lab to figure out the centripetal Force of a cork as it rolls down the ramp.

Homework Equations


Fc=(mv^2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


i know that Fc= (mv^2)/r ,but i don't know if the velocity in the equation is the velocity of the cork rolling down the ramp or some other velocity

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


v for centripetal force refers to tangential velocity of the rolling object, so its the velocity of the cork rolling down the ramp, assuming the cork has enough friction against the ramp to not slide.
 

Related to Physics lab practical (Centripetal Force)

1. What is centripetal force and how does it relate to physics lab practical?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. In a physics lab practical, centripetal force is often studied and measured through experiments involving circular motion.

2. How is centripetal force calculated in a physics lab practical?

Centripetal force can be calculated using the equation Fc = (mv^2)/r, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circular path.

3. What are some common lab apparatus used in experiments involving centripetal force?

Some common lab apparatus used in experiments involving centripetal force include a rotating platform, a string, a mass hanger, a stopwatch, and a force sensor.

4. How does the centripetal force change with varying mass and velocity?

The centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity. This means that as the mass or velocity increases, the centripetal force also increases.

5. What are some real-world applications of centripetal force studied in a physics lab practical?

Centripetal force has many real-world applications, such as in the design of roller coasters, satellites orbiting around the Earth, and the motion of planets around the sun. Understanding centripetal force is also important in the study of circular motion in sports, such as the spin of a ball in baseball or the movement of an athlete on a balance beam.

Similar threads

Centripetal Lab- finding the mass from the slope
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Find g, measured to be 9.78 at the equator, when Earth is still
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
Centripetal force problem involving a washing machine
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Centripetal force throughout a vertical circle
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
Tension and Centripetal Force in Circular Motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
The period of a simple pendulum
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
1K
Loop problem with skier on ramp going into a loop-the-loop
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
Work Check - Centripetal force - Finding Tension in a Rope
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Find tangential velocity given radius and the coefficient of friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Need help explaining this Centripetal force problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top