Physics report

Variables
Constant variables

Safety and Ethical risks

1. Safety goggles are to be worn at all times
2. Should be ensured that no students are nearby while the experiment is being
conducted
3. Ensure that the end of the string is properly tied to the slotted weights
4. Ensure the string used does not unwind and is not damaged

Data analysis
Tabulation of data
Radius Time taken to complete 20 revolutions Time taken for T2 (s2)
(m) (s) one complete revolution,
1 2 3 Average T (s)
0.1500 5.16 5.43 5.72 5.4367 0.271835 0.073894
0.2025 5.81 6.15 6.68 6.2133 0.310665 0.096513
0.2700 6.60 6.19 6.62 6.4700 0.323500 0.104652
0.2960 8.66 9.28 8.42 8.7867 0.439335 0.193015
0.4000 7.68 7.62 7.66 7.6533 0.382665 0.146433
0.4380 7.81 8.28 8.72 8.2700 0.413500 0.170982
0.4470 8.66 8.81 8.88 8.7833 0.439165 0.192866
0.4950 9.09 8.75 8.16 8.6667 0.433335 0.187779
0.5590 9.28 10.97 10.75 10.3333 0.516665 0.266943
0.5750 8.63 8.56 8.63 8.6067 0.430335 0.185188

The force required for the rubber stopper to maintain a uniform circular motion is provided
by the force Fc as shown in the diagram below.
The magnitude of the force can be defined via the formula,
𝑚𝑣 2
Fc =
𝑟

The centripetal force, Fc is equivalent to the tension of the string.

Additionally, the period of one rotation is deduced to be,
2𝜋𝑟
T=
𝑣

Moving forward, with all the formulas above, a graph of T2 against r can be plotted to analyse
the values obtained through the experiment.
Initially, the formula for Fc is manipulated to make v the subject
𝑚𝑣 2
Fc = 𝑟

(𝑟)Fc = 𝑚𝑣 2

(𝑟)Fc
= 𝑣2
𝑚

(𝑟)Fc
𝑣=√
𝑚
The formula for v obtained is then substituted into the formula of the period, T.
2𝜋𝑟
T=
𝑣
2𝜋𝑟
T= (𝑟)Fc
√
𝑚

From this, we can easily deduce the formula for T2 by squaring the whole equation of T.
2𝜋𝑟 2
(T = (𝑟)Fc
)
√
𝑚

4𝜋2 𝑟 2
T2 = (𝑟)Fc
𝑚

4𝜋2 𝑟 2 𝑚
T2 = (𝑟)𝐹𝑐

4𝜋2 𝑟 𝑚
T2 =
𝐹𝑐

Comparison of the derived formula, T2 with y = mx + c shows us the significant values that
will aid in plotting the graph of T2 against r.
y = m x + c

T2 = 4𝜋 2 𝑚 𝑟 + 0
𝐹𝑐

Via the comparison made, it can be deduced that the vertical axis of the graph is the period
squared, T2. The horizontal axis of the graph, on the other hand, is made of the radius, r. We
can also determine that the gradient of the graph is the product of four pi square and mass
4π2 m
over centripetal force, . It is also understood from the comparison that the value of C is
Fc
zero. Thus, the graph passes through the origin, or algebraically should.
Graph

0.28
0.26
0.24
0.22 y = 0.329x + 0.0358
0.2
0.18
0.16
T2 / s2

0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
RADIUS / m

The graph shows a straight line with an equation of y = 0.329x + 0.0358. The graph passes
4𝜋 2 𝑚
through point (0, 0.0358). If compared to the derived formula of T2= 𝑟 it can be seen
𝐹𝑐
that the graph shows high accuracy as, the value of the C, although not zero, is still very close
to zero. The accuracy of the graph can be further solidified by calculating the percentage
error. The percentage of error can be determined by comparing the mass of rubber stopper
derived from the gradient of the graph and the actual mass of the rubber stopper.
The actual mass of the rubber stopper was weighed before the experiment was conducted and
was determined.
The actual mass of rubber stopper = 12.69g
We have also established that the force Fc or better known as centripetal force is equivalent to
the tension of the string. The tension of the string was provided by the slotted weights that
were hung on the bottom end of the string.
Mass of slotted weights used = 150g
Tension of string = mg
150
= (1000) 𝑘𝑔 × 9.8𝑚𝑠 −2

= 1.47 𝑘𝑔𝑚𝑠 −2
= 1.47𝑁
Mass of rubber stopper
4𝜋 2 𝑚
= 0.329
𝐹𝑐

4𝜋 2 𝑚 = 0.329𝐹𝑐
0.329𝐹𝑐
𝑚= 4𝜋 2
0.329× 1.47
𝑚= = 0.012250kg
4𝜋 2

𝑚 = 12.25𝑔

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙−𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑

Percentage error = × 100
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

12.69−12.25
= × 100 = 3.467297%
12.69

The percentage errors are calculated to be merely 3.467297%, meaning the graph shows high
accuracy once again.
The points on the graph also show minimal scatter, thus, proving that the values obtained are
precise.

Sources of errors
1. Systematic error
One possible source of systematic error present in this experiment would the presence
of air resistance. As the rubber stopper rotates, it undergoes air resistance. Air
resistance causes the time taken for 20 rotations to increase, thus, increasing the
period and the values of T2 obtained. Therefore, the accuracy of the results will suffer.

Another source of systematic error would be the friction between the string and the
plastic tubing. As the rubber stopper spins, the string and the plastic tubing undergo
friction as both come into contact. The friction that opposes the direction of rotation
will slow down the rubber stopper, causing the time taken for 20 rotations, the period
and the value of T2 to increase as a whole. Once again causing accuracy to be lower.
Moreover, the constant friction can also cause the condition of the string to
deteriorate, with possibilities of accidents to increase.

2. Random error
In my findings, the random error that seems to be present is the variation in reflex
times. Three measurements of time were taken for each radius used, and the reflex
times can be seen to vary throughout each set of data collected. As the determination
of the start and end of every rotation falls solely in the hands of a human subject, the
room for random error is bound to persist.
Mitigation plans

1. Systematic error
In the case of air resistance, the systematic error can be minimized by conducting
the experiment with all the fans turned off and windows closed. This would
significantly reduce any air resistance that once affected the findings of the
experiment. Air resistance can also be mitigated by using a rubber stopper with
the same mass but less surface area exposed to the surroundings.

On the other hand, the possible method to reduce friction between string and
plastic tubing would be to smooth out the edges of the tubing or to use plastic
tubing with curved edges. This would significantly reduce friction and will help
ensure that the string will not snap during the experiment.

2. Random error
When it comes to reducing random error, the possible methods boil down to 2.
The first one would be to simply increase the sample space of the experiment by
increasing the number of times the rotations are measured as well as using more
varying length of radiuses. The second possible method would be to recruit
different people to undergo a reflex test. These people will be responsible to
measure the time taken for 20 rotations. The reflex time of each individual will
then be subtracted from the measured time and an average is taken. This way
reflex time can be accounted for, and sample size can also be increased.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, it is evident that T2 is directly proportional to r. Although the experiment does
show some degree of random error and systematic error, it is still highly accurate and precise.
The levels of systematic and random error even though negligible need to be curbed and
some punitive steps can be taken to minimise their effects even more in experiments to come.