Centripetal Force Experiment Apparatus Kit – Circular Motion Apparatus

Centripetal Force Experiment Kit – Circular Motion Apparatus

The Centripetal Force Experiment Kit provides a simple, hands-on way for students to investigate the physics of circular motion and centripetal force. Students rotate a rubber stopper on a string while a set of hanging washers provides tension in the string, allowing them to observe how changes in mass, radius, and rotational speed affect circular motion.

This economical apparatus is ideal for high school physics, physical science, and introductory college physics laboratories where students need to explore the principles of centripetal force without the expense of an electronic force sensor or motorized apparatus.

What Students Can Investigate

With the SS9874 Centripetal Force Experiment Kit, students can investigate:

The relationship between centripetal force and mass
The effect of radius on circular motion
The relationship between rotational speed and centripetal force
Centripetal acceleration and uniform circular motion
How string tension provides the inward force required to maintain circular motion
Experimental measurement of the period and speed of a rotating object

Students can measure the radius of rotation and the time required for a selected number of revolutions, then use their measurements to calculate tangential velocity and centripetal force.

How the Experiment Works

A rubber stopper is attached to a string that passes through the plastic handle. Washers are attached to the opposite end of the string. As the stopper is rotated in a circular path, the tension in the string provides the inward force that keeps the stopper moving in a circle.

The basic centripetal-force relationship is:

Fc = mv²/r

where:

Fc = centripetal force
m = mass of the rotating object
v = tangential velocity
r = radius of the circular path

By changing one variable while keeping the others approximately constant, students can collect experimental data and compare their results with the theoretical relationship.

Kit Contents

Each SS9874 kit includes:

1 plastic handle
20 washers
1 rubber stopper
String
2 paper clips
Experiment instructions

Additional Equipment

The following equipment is recommended for conducting the quantitative experiments:

• Digital Stopwatch — for measuring the time required for multiple revolutions.
• Dual Scale Wooden Meter Stick — for measuring the radius of the circular path.
• Digital 750g × 0.1 Gram Scale — for measuring the mass of the rubber stopper and hanging components.

Ideal For
High school physics laboratories
Physical science classes
Introductory physics courses
Circular motion experiments
Centripetal force demonstrations
STEM classroom activities
Physics laboratory stations
Economical Classroom Physics Apparatus

SS9874 is designed as a straightforward, low-cost alternative to more complex electronic centripetal-force systems. It gives students the opportunity to physically observe and measure the variables involved in circular motion using a simple mechanical setup.

Made in Hamilton, Ohio, USA.

Instructions included.