D1-34.HTML
D1-34: ROTATING MASS ON SPRING

PURPOSE: To illustrate centripetal force.

DESCRIPTION: When the ball is rotated around your head in a horizontal circle, the spring extends. This demonstrates that the spring is under tension, showing that a force is required to move a mass in a circle. Rotating faster requires a greater centripetal force, as observed by the greater spring extension.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA unavailable.)

EQUIPMENT: Mass on spring, as photographed.

SETUP TIME: None.


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