Classic Circular Motion Apparatus Workshop

Time 9:00-12:00 - Breakfast will be provided

Join fellow New Jersey physics teachers for a hands-on workshop, where physics teachers will construct 10 complete Classic Circular Motion Apparatus devices for use in the classroom. Participants will build two devices for each of five different masses, creating five matched pairs that can be used by student laboratory groups. Grant support will cover most of the cost of the equipment, so the teacher contribution will be small.   Space is limited.

The Classic Circular Motion Apparatus is designed to allow students to experimentally investigate the relationships among force, mass, radius, and velocity in uniform circular motion. The apparatus uses a rubber stopper, spring scale, string, and measuring equipment to provide a simple, durable, and highly visual way for students to explore centripetal force and develop the mathematical model for uniform circular motion.

Workshop Activities

Participants will:

• Construct 10 Classic Circular Motion Apparatus devices.

• Prepare five different masses, with two identical devices at each mass.

• Assemble and secure the string, mass, and spring-scale components.

• Measure and document the mass of each apparatus.

• Check the apparatus for consistent operation and appropriate balance.

• Test each device.

• Label and organize the completed apparatus for immediate classroom use.

Classroom Application

The completed equipment will support investigations of:

• Centripetal Force vs. Speed

• Radius vs. Speed

• Mass vs. Speed

The original laboratory has students vary force while maintaining radius, vary radius while maintaining force, and compare different masses to investigate their effects on circular motion. The students then linearize their data to develop the centripetal force equation.

Creating two devices for each of five masses allows teachers to provide students with devices so that each lab group is able to collect data without waiting for others to finish with an aparatus.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will walk away witha complete classroom set consisting of:

10 Classic Circular Motion Apparatus devices
2 devices × 5 different masses

The finished apparatus will be tested, labeled, and ready for use in a physics laboratory exploring uniform circular motion, centripetal force, mass, radius, and velocity.