PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
On a laboratory turntable, a small cart is constrained to move in a circle while its distance r from the center can be adjusted. The operator keeps the cart’s linear speed v constant while varying r and recording the resulting period T of one revolution. A plot of T (vertical axis) versus r (horizontal axis) yields a straight line with slope 12.6sm−1.
(1) Part 1: (a) From the slope of the line, determine the constant speed v of the cart.
(2) Part 2: (b) Using the speed found in part (a), calculate the centripetal acceleration of the cart when it is set to circle at a radius of 5.0m.