PASCO ME-8088 Centripetal Force Apparatus User Manual

Page 12

Model No. ME-8088

Centripetal Force Apparatus

Experiment Tips

a) To add the free mass, lay the components over the attachment screw in

the following order: a) cable b) mass and c) thumbscrew to tighten.
(Note: Place the cable over the washer and nut on the screw. For more
details, see “Equipment Setup” on pages 5-7.)

Note: Do not place the mass underneath the cable, as this will
interfere with a proper measurement.

b) Allow the “free mass” plenty of length along its holder within the

slot. If the mass is not free to slide along the groove, significant
frictional losses can be present.

c) Place an equal amount of mass on the “fixed mass” and “free mass”

holders.

d) Be sure to place the “fixed mass” at the same radius as the “free

mass” to ensure balancing of the unit at is rotates.

e) Perform several different data runs, each time varying the mass on

the free and fixed mass holders. (Note: Be sure to include the mass
of the holders in your calculations.)

f) In the DataStudio file for this experiment, a graph display is

available for monitoring the velocity of the rotating mass.

g) Be sure to enter the correct value for the radius in the experimental

constants area of the calculator.

Figure 2c: Calculator Dialog box