Experiment test for F = m2L by whirling a rubber bung (centripetal force)

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Title: Experiment test for F = m?2L by whirling a rubber bung (centripetal force)

Aim: 1. To help us to study uniform circular motion, and

2. Prove that centripetal force required for keeping circular motion

= m?2r

where m = mass of the object performing circular motion

? = average angular velocity of the object

r = radius of the circular orbit

Principle: When the rubber bung was being whirled in a circle, it was performing circular motion. When a body performs circular motion, it requires a net force towards the center to give the centripetal acceleration that causes the change of direction of the body.

This net force towards the center is called centripetal force. The centripetal force acting on the rubber bung was provided by the tension of the nylon string. The nylon string was attached to a number of screw nuts of known mass.

Forces acting on the rubber bung: (negligible air resistance)

1. Tension of the nylon string

2. Weight of the rubber bung

? Tension was constant though the nylon string (Assume there was no friction between the nylon string and