Centripetal Force Lab (AP)
*must be in lab report
** must be TYPED on EXCEL and in lab report
* Purpose:
The purpose of this lab is to investigate what variables effect the velocity of an object in uniform
circular motion and how.
* Pre-Lab Questions:
1. Define centripetal force.
2. What is providing the centripetal force in this lab? How would you calculate this force?
3. How far does the stopper travel when it goes all the way around in a circle once?
4. How will you calculate the linear velocity of the stopper?
Procedure: Your lab group needs to pick two variables to test to determine how those variables affect the
velocity of an object in circular motion.
* Part 1:
 Independent Variable:
 Dependent Variable:
 Variables held constant:
 Brief cartoon-strip drawing showing what you will do for this part:
* Part 2:
 Independent Variable:
 Dependent Variable:
 Variables held constant:
 Brief cartoon-strip drawing showing what you will do for this part:
* * Data tables – Create a data table IN EXCEL for each part of the lab. Be sure to include the “raw” data.
Raw data would be a number you took note of in the lab, but then calculated on before being used. An example
of raw data would be to the total time for x spins, all the trial data have averages.
* Sample Calculations: Show ONE calculation of each type:
Centripetal Force:
Average Time:
Velocity:
* * Graphs:
Using EXCEL, create two graphs, one for each part of your lab. This should be a SCATTER PLOT (do
not connect the lines). Remember, independent variable goes on the x-axis & dependent variable goes on the yaxis.
* Conclusion Questions:
1. What was the purpose of the lab/what did you test? (NOT “Too see what variables…” I want to know
what variables you actually tested).
2. Findings: What did you find? Was there a direct relationship, an indirect relationship or no relationship
between your independent and dependent variables?
3. Explain three sources of error.