Centripetal Force Experiment
This Centripetal Force Experiment is part of the class 9 science and class 10 science curriculum. Centripetal force is the net force required to keep an object moving in a circular path, always directed towards the center of the circle. You can observe this by whirling a stone tied to a thread: the tension in the thread provides the necessary force towards the centre, preventing the stone from flying off tangentially.
When an object of mass m moves at a constant speed v around a circle of radius r, its velocity vector changes direction continuously. This change in direction is an acceleration toward the centre, called centripetal acceleration, given by
aₙ = v² / r
By Newton’s second law, the centripetal force Fₙ required is
Fₙ = m × aₙ = m × (v² / r)
Real-Life Applications of Centripetal Force Experiment
- Vehicles turning on curved roads rely on tire friction to supply the centripetal force.
- Planets orbit the Sun under gravitational centripetal force.
- Amusement-park spinning rides press riders against the wall using centripetal force.
- Washing machines use centripetal force in the spin cycle to extract water from clothes.
Key Observations of Centripetal Force Experiment
- If you increase the mass m, the required force Fₙ increases proportionally.
- If you increase the speed v, Fₙ rises with the square of v (so doubling v quadruples the force).
- If you increase the radius r, Fₙ decreases inversely.
- If the force is suddenly removed (for example, if the thread breaks), the object flies off tangentially.
| Parameter | Change | Effect on Fₙ |
|---|---|---|
| Mass (m) | Increase | Fₙ increases linearly |
| Speed (v) | Increase | Fₙ increases quadratically |
| Radius (r) | Increase | Fₙ decreases inversely |
With the Dencity virtual lab, you can perform this science experiment safely and cost-effectively. Instead of setting up physical apparatus and risking breakage or injury, the Dencity app lets you adjust mass, speed, and radius with simple sliders. You’ll see real-time graphs of force versus speed squared, and even record your virtual results for reports. This virtual science lab brings the dynamics of a physics lab into your browser or mobile device, making interactive learning engaging for every student.
Dencity for Teachers
- Interactive Teaching: Create live demonstrations of centripetal force that students can manipulate in real time.
- Curriculum Alignment: Ready-made modules for class 9 science and class 10 science, saving you prep time.
- Data Export: Download experiment data and graphs for gradebooks and assessments.
- Collaborative Features: Invite students to join a shared session on the dencity app, fostering peer learning.
Dencity works seamlessly on interactive touch panels in classrooms, turning every whiteboard into a science lab.
For customized pricing or a demo of how Dencity virtual lab can transform your school’s science app offerings, educational institutions can contact us at sales@dencityapp.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is centripetal force?
Centripetal force is the net force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, always pointing toward the circle’s centre. - How do I calculate centripetal acceleration?
Use the formula aₙ = v² / r, where v is speed and r is the radius of the circle. - Why does speed have a squared effect on force?
Because Fₙ = m × (v² / r), doubling v makes v² four times larger, so the force quadruples. - Can I change mass in the Dencity virtual lab?
Yes—use the mass slider to see how force changes with different masses. - Is the Dencity virtual lab suitable for class 9 and class 10 science?
Absolutely—it includes aligned experiments for both class 9 science and class 10 science. - Do I need special hardware to run the Dencity app?
No. It runs on Android, iOS, desktop browsers, and interactive touch panels. - Can students save their experiment results?
Yes—results and graphs can be exported or saved within the dencity app. - How does Dencity promote interactive teaching?
By letting teachers and students manipulate variables live, share sessions, and discuss outcomes together. - Is there a cost-effective advantage to virtual labs?
Yes—no consumables, minimal setup, and zero risk of equipment damage or injury. - How can my school get a demo of Dencity?
Email sales@dencityapp.in for customized pricing or to schedule a demo.
