Home > Science Experiments > Rotation and Orbits - Experiment 2 - Spinning Effects: How does the speed of a rotating object affect the way centrifugal force can overcome gravity?

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Experiment 2
Spinning Effects: How does the speed of a rotating object affect the way centrifugal force can overcome gravity?

Purpose/Hypothesis

The term centrifugal force comes from the Latin meaning "center-fleeing" or "away from the center," which explains the outward movement of an object experiencing centrifugal force. Centrifugal force can overcome the effects of gravity. One of the factors that affect centrifugal force depends on the speed of rotation or an object's velocity. The greater the speed of the object, the greater the force.

In this experiment you will observe centrifugal force occurring with different velocities, and see how each overcomes the effects of gravity. You will measure the outward pull of water in a small container that is revolving. The faster you spin the container, the higher its...

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1. Introduction
2. Renaissance rules
3. Around and around
4. Why we spin
5. Rotation's moving effects
6. Curving around
7. Experiment 1 - Foucault Pendulum: How can a pendulum demonstrate the rotation of Earth?
8. Experiment 2 - Spinning Effects: How does the speed of a rotating object affect the way centrifugal force can overcome gravity?
9. Design Your Own Experiment