Physics Spinning Stopper Lab
Extracts from this document...
Introduction
Spinning Stopper Lab November 28th, 2011
IB Physics HL
Research Question: How does the time period of the stopper depend upon the length of the string?
Source: http://portal.unishanoi.org/resources/Physics/Mechanics/Spinning%20stopper.pdf
The centripetal force of the stopper is from the horizontal component of tension. Since the tension is equal to the weight of the hanging mass below:
From the diagram above, sin
is equal to 
, and therefore:
Data:
Controlled Variables:
Mass of the stopper: 0.0175±0.0001kg
Mass of the hanging mass: 0.0709±0.0001kg
*The uncertainty for the masses came from the smallest division of the balance scale rather than half the smallest division since it was the first experience with the equipment, possibly making the measurement less accurate.
Table 1 (Length of the String vs.
Middle
4.0
...read more.
4.0
0.2
0.300
4.4
4.6
4.7
4.7
4.6
4.6
0.1
0.350
5.5
4.7
4.6
4.8
4.9
4.9
0.4
0.400
5.0
5.1
5.7
5.7
5.2
5.3
0.3
0.450
5.7
5.8
6.1
5.9
5.3
5.7
0.4
*Uncertainty value of the length of the string is from the smallest division of the instrument since 0.001m length of mark by the marker was used on the string to indicate where the length of the spring was supposed to be kept at when the stopper was spinning.
* (Average Time uncertainty) = ((Max Time)-(Min Time))/2 = (3.2-2.8)/2 = 0.2s.
*Time uncertainty was estimated to be ±0.1s since it was thought to be reasonable to estimate the human stopwatch accuracy up to 0.1 second difference.
Table 2 (Length vs.
Conclusion
One of the ways to improve this weakness would be to add more trials in each lengths of the string. Since the measurements of the time would differ greatly, it would be best to take more trials to get the best average possible. Another way to improve the weakness would be to have a tube that has a very low friction constant and that has a round shape at the end to reduce the friction that will narrow the speed range of the stopper at a certain length.
This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our International Baccalaureate Physics section.
Found what you're looking for?
- Start learning 29% faster today
- 150,000+ documents available
- Just £6.99 a month
