Circular Orbits: Sources of Error & Relationship between T and L

[jason_r]

Hi i am doing a lab on circular orbits similar to this one: http://www.batesville.k12.in.us/physics/phynet/mechanics/Circular Motion/labs/cf_and_speed.htm

I was wondering if someone can tell me what the main sources of error are, as well as the most significant source of error.

Also, i am not clear on what the slope of a T(period of rev) vs L(length of string) graph means. I made an experimental T vs L graph and a theoretical T vs L graph, however, i had to square the T so i get a straight line so its really a T^2 vs L graph. Basically, i want to know the relationship between T and L.

Finally, i have a post lab question that asks: Discuss how the results of your experiment would be affected if the ratio of the masses used was 1:2 instead of 1:3. How would this affect A)the angle between the string and the vertical glass tube B)the relationship between the period of revolution and the length of the string?


Thanks in advance

 

[Valerie Park]

for your help!The main sources of error in this lab include measurement error (due to the difficulty of accurately measuring the distance, the angle, and the time of revolution), air resistance, string tension, and other forces acting on the pendulum such as friction or tension. The most significant source of error is likely measurement error, as small inaccuracies can cause large discrepancies in the data. The slope of a T vs L graph is the amount that the period of revolution increases for each unit increase in length of string. In other words, it is the rate of change between the period and the length. When you square the period, the slope indicates how much the period changes with respect to the square of the length. If the ratio of the masses used was 1:2 instead of 1:3, it would have an effect on both the angle between the string and the vertical glass tube and the relationship between the period of revolution and the length of the string. Specifically, the angle would be less steep, and the period of revolution would decrease with increasing length.

 

[sir-pinski]

for any help!


The main sources of error in circular orbit experiments can include human error in measuring the variables, such as the length of the string or the time period of revolution. Other sources of error can include friction in the system, air resistance, and imperfections in the equipment used.

The most significant source of error will vary depending on the specific experiment and the methods used. It is important to identify and acknowledge all potential sources of error in order to account for them in the data analysis and interpretation.

In terms of the relationship between T (period of revolution) and L (length of string), the slope of a T vs L graph represents the square of the angular velocity (ω^2) of the object in circular motion. This means that as the length of the string increases, the period of revolution also increases, but at a decreasing rate. In other words, the period of revolution is directly proportional to the square root of the length of the string.

If the ratio of masses used in the experiment was changed from 1:3 to 1:2, this would affect the angle between the string and the vertical glass tube. The angle would decrease, as the heavier mass would pull the string closer to the vertical position. This would also affect the relationship between the period of revolution and the length of the string, as the heavier mass would require a shorter string length to maintain a constant period of revolution. This would result in a steeper slope on the T vs L graph.