Centripetal Acceleration Lab
Initial Publication Date: August 25, 2009
Summary
In this lab students will explore multiple variables of centripetal acceleration. Students collect data on distance from the center of rotation and angular speed, in order to determine the Centripetal Acceleration. Student also research what Centripetal Acceleration is and how it relates to Centripetal Force. The student findings and research are included in a lab write-up.
CollapseLearning Goals
Identify the different variables of Centripetal Acceleration.
Predict values outside of the measurable scope
Relate Centripetal Acceleration to Centripetal Force
Predict values outside of the measurable scope
Relate Centripetal Acceleration to Centripetal Force
Context for Use
This lab takes about 70 minutes. This is for a high school level physics student. Equipment needed, Record Player, Vernier hardware and a low g accelerometer. I use this lab to introduce Centripetal Acceleration. Student can be frustrated that they don't have all the information at first but find it helpful when we discuss the topic in lecture.
Description and Teaching Materials
This lab helps me kick off the Centripetal Acceleration Lab. During the lab, students set up a record players with a low g accelerometer attached a known distance from the center of rotation. Student recorded the acceleration value. Student then manipulate the distance from the center and the angular speed independently to see if they have an affect on the results. In the lab students graph the data and try to find any relationships. The next day after the completion of the lab we go over centripetal acceleration in class and discuss what they have discovered. Labs are due 3 days after the end of the lab. Centripital Accel Lab (Acrobat (PDF) 189kB May11 11)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Make sure the wire is unwrapped after each trial
Make sure the record players are level
Use tape to secure the accelerometer to the Record player
I got Record Players from the Media Center
Students work in groups no bigger than 3
Make sure the record players are level
Use tape to secure the accelerometer to the Record player
I got Record Players from the Media Center
Students work in groups no bigger than 3
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Assessment
The lab team will turn in one lab. Each team member must do two sections of the lab.
Standards
9P.1.3.4.1 Use a model to describe how this would affect a mass that can't be used in lab
9P.2.2.1.1 Study motion
9P.2.2.1.1 Study motion