Experiment 3
Centripetal force
❖ Objective: To verify the equation for centripetal force, specifically confirming the functional
dependence of centripetal force on mass, radius and frequency.
❖ Apparatus: Centripetal force apparatus, Vernier caliper, stop watch, slotted weight set, weight
hanger.
❖ Task: To calculate and verify the value of centripetal force for different radii.
❖ Principle: The centripetal force apparatus is intended for the study and verification of the law
of force for uniform circular motion. It consists essentially of a heavy mass bifilarly supported
from the cross arm attached to a vertical shaft (see figure below).
Figure1: The centripetal force apparatus
When a body is caused to revolve in a circle with uniform velocity, the resultant in-ward force on
the body is called “centripetal force”. The centripetal force produces an inward radial acceleration
(a) given by Newton’s Second law
F = m*a… ......................... (1)
In which m is the mass of the revolving object.
Since a = v2/r and v = 2πnr,
Therefore,
F = 4 π2 mn2r .......................... (2)
For this dynamic configuration the spring force F provides the Centripetal force. For the static
configuration the spring is stretched by the same amount r by the weight Mg. The spring force is
F =Mg
The spring force will be the same in both static and dynamic configuration hence
Mg = 4 π2 mn2r = mrω2 = mr (2π) 2/T2
where r is the radius of circular path, n is the number of revolutions per second. Equation 2 is the
working equation for this apparatus. If m is in grams and r is in centimeters, F will be in dyne. If m
is in kilograms and r is in meters, F will be in Newton.
❖ Procedure: (i) For each trial, the position of the horizontal cross-arm and the vertical
indicator postmust be such that the mass (bob) hangs freely over the post when the spring is
detached. After making this adjustment, connect the spring to the mass and practice aligning the
bottom of the hanging mass with the indicator post while rotating the assembly.
(ii) Measure the time for 30-40 revolutions of the apparatus. Keep the velocity as constant as
possible by keeping the pointer on the bottom of the mass (bob) aligned with the indicator post.
A white sheet of paper placed as a background behind the apparatus can be helpful in getting the
alignment as close as possible. Using the same mass and radius, measure the time for three
different trials. Record all data.
(iii) Using the average time obtained above, calculate the velocity of the mass. From this,
calculate the centripetal force exerted on the mass during its motion.
(iv) Independently determine the centripetal force by attaching a hanging weight to the mass until
it once again is positioned over the indicator post (this time at rest). Since the spring is being
stretched by the same amount as when the apparatus was rotating, the force stretching the spring
should be the same in each case.
(v) Calculate this force and compare with the centripetal force obtained in part (iii) by finding
the percent difference.
(vi) Change the radius and repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 above.
(vii) The following data should be calculated and recorded in your table.
❖ Observation:
S.No Known Radius Time Frequency Velocity Acceleration Calculated Hanging Measured
Mass(kg (m) (sec) (rev/sec) force (N) Mass (kg) Force (N)
)
1 0.445 …. …. …. …. …. …. …. ….
0.445 …. …. …. …. …. …. …. ….
0.445 …. …. …. …. …. …. …. ….
2 0.445 …. …. …. …. ….. ….. …… ….
0.445 …. …. …. …. …… ….. ….. ……
… …. ….. ….. …… …. …… ….. ….. …….
*Take readings for 3 different radius and take 3 set of reading for each radius.
❖ Result: Value of centripetal force by calculating the average of calculated force.
❖ Error: Taking average of calculated force and measured force calculate %age error
❖ Discussion: Write as per your result and understanding
