Product Overview
Centripetal Force Apparatus, High School Lab Model
Alternative to the Flying Pig lab, the High School Lab Centripetal Force Apparatus provides a safe and reliable method for measuring centripetal force in introductory physics experiments. Its consistent performance makes it ideal for high school physics laboratories.
Measurement Principle
A mass is suspended from one end of a horizontal cross bar supported at the top of a vertical shaft. When the shaft is rotated, the mass swings outward under the influence of centripetal motion and is opposed by the restoring force of a coiled spring attached to the shaft. The cross bar is counterbalanced to ensure smooth and stable rotation.
The speed of rotation is easily determined by visually counting revolutions per minute. At each speed, the mass assumes a measurable radius of rotation, indicated by a reference pointer. Students can then calculate the centripetal force and compare it with the static force required to displace the mass to the same radius using the included spring scale.
Quantitative Design Features
- Thumb-and-forefinger torque control via knurled top shaft for safe, precise rotation
- Spring and mass selection optimized for slow, easily countable rotation
- 15 mm diameter support shaft mounted in ball bearings to minimize friction and wobble
- Adjustable radius indicator with lateral range of approximately 4 cm
- Optional 50 g slotted weight (included) can be added to the sliding mass for variable experiments
- Laminate base: 25 x 11 x 1.5 cm with four non-slip rubber feet
- Safe and simple setup for high school laboratory use
- Includes detailed instructions for assembly and setup as well as a sample lab manual for guided experiments
