Question

3. If you shorten the length of the chain, keep other variables constant, and repeat the experiment, how will the centripetal force change? Explain the relationship between centripetal force and the length of the chain.

Answer 1

The Centripetal force is essentially the mass of the object multiplied by the centripetal acceleration. \[F_{c}=ma_{c}\] The centripetal acceleration is \[\frac{ v }{ r^2 }\] Hence if you decrease the r value, and want to travel at the same velocity, then less Centripetal acceleration is needed. The force will decrease with the square of length decreased