Some errors associated with this experiment:

•Human errors associated with measurement

•Equipment errors associated with measurement

•Incorrect assumptions in the experimental design

Some errors associated with this experiment:

•Human errors associated with measurement

These can be reduced by taking more care, and improving the measurement techniques.

Their effect can be minimised by performing repeat trails.

Some errors associated with this experiment:

•Human errors associated with measurement

•Equipment errors associated with measurement

•Incorrect assumptions in the experimental design

Some errors associated with this experiment:

•Human errors associated with measurement

•Equipment errors associated with measurement

A bit beyond your control, but you should always ensure that the equipment that you use is in good working order, undamaged and appropriate for the task.

Some errors associated with this experiment:

•Human errors associated with measurement

•Equipment errors associated with measurement

•Incorrect assumptions in the experimental design

Some errors associated with this experiment:

•Human errors associated with measurement

•Equipment errors associated with measurement

•Incorrect assumptions in the experimental design

We assume that the weight force provided by the slotted masses is the only force acting on the fishing line, and therefore the centripetal force provided by the fishing line is equal to this weight force.

What other forces could be involved?

We have assumed the position of the rubber stopper’s centre of mass, and therefore the radius of it’s circle.

How could this assumption effect our results?

We have assumed that the rubber stopper is travelling in a horizontal circle. It doesn’t. It will always travel at an angle below horizontal. This will alter our results in a number of ways.

The radius of the circle when below horizontal will be less than the measured length of fishing line. This means that our ‘measured’ circumference will be bigger than the actual circumference of the circular path.

The tension along the string will not only provide centripetal force

The tension along the string will not only provide centripetal force it will also be providing and upward force

The tension along the string will not only provide centripetal force it will also be providing and upward force which will be overcoming the weight of the stopper.