Physics 1 Lab 6: Centripetal Motion

Definition of Uniform Circular Motion (UCM)

Motion in a circular path where the velocity has constant magnitude (speed) but constantly changing direction.

Why an object undergoing UCM has a non-zero acceleration

Because the acceleration is due to the constant change in the directionof the velocity vector.

The direction of centripetal acceleration (acent)

Always directed toward the center of the circle ('center-seeking').

Formula relating speed (v), radius (R), and period (T) in UCM

2πR/T

Formula for centripetal acceleration (ac)

v²/r

Formula for centripetal force (Fc)

= Fac = F mv²/r

how was centeipital force measured

Using a force sensor connected to the rotating mass.

The straight-line analysis performed in Lab 6 to verify the F vs. v relationship

Plotting Centripetal Force (F) vs. the square of the speed (v²)

Centripetal force is not a fundamental force. What supplies Fc in the experiment?

The tension in the string connecting the mass to the force sensor.