Analysis
• You now have a table of results which has centripetal force, F = Mg, as a function
of period, T, for a fixed radius, r. Manipulate equation 1, and plot appropriate
quantities of F versus T to obtain the mass, m, of the rotating object directly from
the slope of a linear graph, with an error estimate (from best/worst case lines,
graphical analysis).
• Compare this value of, m, with the value you expect from step h above, the
rotating object mass, m, inserted on the side post.
Questions
Answer the following questions based on your table of results, also considering
equation 1, and briefly explain how you arrive at your answer.
1. When the radius r is increased, does the period of rotation increase or decrease?
2. When the radius and the mass of the rotating object are held constant, does increasing
the period increase or decrease the centripetal force?
3. As the mass of the object, m, is increased, does the centripetal force increase or
decrease?
