Rotational Motion Lab

Purpose: To experimentally confirm a model for the motion of a cork attached to a string that is rotated about an axis by a wooden rod. The expected height of the cork was calculated based on the rotational speed of the apparatus. This was then compared to the results of spinning the cork at different speeds.

Procedure: The apparatus was set up by professor Wolf. Students were unfortunately careful to avoid by the spinning cork. This did improve the accuracy of the experiment. The time for 10 rotations was measured. A paper flag was moved up slightly each revolution until the paper touched the cork. This height was recorded.