Vernier Centripetal Force Apparatus - Manual

Centripetal Force
Apparatus
(Order Code CFA)
The Centripetal Force Apparatus (CFA) facilitates
the study of circular motion. It allows students to
easily and accurately see the relationship between
centripetal force, tangential velocity (or angular
velocity), radius and mass. The traditional method, i.e., twirling a rubber stopper in a
horizontal circle, is instructional in that students can have kinesthetic understanding
of the relationships. For example, they can feel the change in the force as the radius
changes. The CFA allows students to make direct measurements of the variables and
to obtain excellent quantitative data.
With this equipment, students are able to investigate relationships between
 Centripetal force and the mass of the accelerating object
 Centripetal force and the radius of the motion
 Centripetal force and the tangential velocity of the accelerating object
 Centripetal force and the angular velocity of the accelerating object
 Angular acceleration, torque and moment of inertia
What is included with the Centripetal Force Apparatus?
 Rectangular Frame
 Support Legs (2)
 Rotating Assembly consisting of Rotational Shaft, Encoder Wheel, 3-Step Pulley,
Rotating Beam, Bearing Housing
 Sliding Carriage to hold the test masses
 Counterbalance Carriage to balance the rotating beam
 Swivel Assembly (connects Sliding Carriage to a Dual-Range Force Sensor)
 Ultra Pulley
 Ultra Pulley Bracket (preinstalled on Assembly)
 Photogate Bracket with 1/4 x 20 mounting screw (preinstalled on Assembly)
 Dual-Range Force Sensor Bracket (preinstalled on Assembly)
 50 g masses (4)
 100 g masses (4)
 Hook (attaches a Wireless Dynamic Sensor System (WDSS) to the Sliding
Carriage)
 WDSS Mounting Screw and T Nut to secure a WDSS
2
A Closer Look at the Components
Rectangular Frame
The frame supports the Rotating Assembly and it accommodates a variety of
sensors. Two Pulley Guides on the top of the frame allow a Dual-Range Force
Sensor to be connected to a carriage that slides along the Rotating Beam.