Rotary Investigation

This simple but effective system makes a complicated topic into one of the most enjoyable lessons possible for all ages at secondary level. A spring system is enclosed in an acrylic tube so that the student can whirl a rubber ball around in a horizontal circle to measure the centripetal force. Radius and mass are easily varied and rotational speed is simply measured by timing the revolutions. The forces acting can be measured in "force increments" or in newtons if the spring is calibrated beforehand. Full instructions included.