Experiment on Corioli’s Component of Acceleration
The Coriolis component of acceleration apparatus is a laboratory instrument used to demonstrate the Coriolis effect, which is a phenomenon observed in a rotating frame of reference. Named after the French mathematician Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis, this effect describes the apparent deflection of moving objects when viewed from a rotating reference frame.
Theoretical Background
The apparatus has been designed to enable the student to measure the various parameters comprising the Corioli’s component of acceleration. To maintain this acceleration long enough for measurements to be taken the conventional slider mechanism is replaced by two streams of water flowing radially outwards from an inverted T shape tube which rotates about its vertical axis so that the water in passing along the tube is subjected to Corioli’s component acceleration. Consider the motion of the slider B on the crank OA. Let OA rotates with constant angular velocity rad / sec. and slider B have the velocity v radially outwards relative v outwards relative to the crank centre O. The velocity diagram for the slider in two position separated by angular displacement. On the same diagram v1 represents the resultant choice of velocity of slider. This velocity has two components vu and vu in radial and tangential directions respectively.
Hydraulic Analogy
In the hydraulic analogy, the water in the tubing represents the motion of objects within a rotating frame of reference. As the platform rotates, it creates a rotating frame in which the water flows. The swirling and deflection of the water in the tubing mimic the Coriolis effect observed in the motion of objects on the rotating platform.
Apparatus
The setup comprises two brass tubes extending radially from a central Perspex header tube, which are rotated by a vertically mounted DC motor housed in a ball bearing housing. The torque generated by the motor is quantified using a voltmeter and ammeter situated on the central panel. The motor's rotational speed is monitored via an RPM meter. Water is supplied from a pump to the header tube through a flow control valve, with a rotameter employed to gauge the water flow rate. After exiting the radial tubes, the water returns to the pump via a sump. The apparatus also includes a splash tank and all accompanying accessories mounted on a fabricated frame.
Experimental Procedure
1. Set up the turntable in a well-lit area where you can observe the motion clearly
2. Attach one end of the string to the center of the turntable.
3. Attach the weight to the other end of the string. Make sure the string is long enough for the weight to hang freely when the turntable is spinning.
4. Securely tape the string to the edge of the turntable, so it doesn’t tangle during rotation.
5. Turn on the turntable and set it spinning at a constant speed. Ensure it rotates smoothly without wobbling.
6. Hold the weight and let it hang freely without any initial motion.
7. Observe the motion of the weight as the turntable rotates. You should notice that instead of moving straight outward, the weight appears to deviate from its initial path.
8. Measure the deflection of the weight from its initial path using the ruler or measuring tape. Take note of the direction of deflection as well.
Observations
1. You’ll observe that the weight doesn’t move straight outward but deflects either to the left or right, depending on the direction of rotation of the turntable.
2. The deflection increases with the speed of rotation and the distance from the center of rotation.
3. If you reverse the direction of rotation of the turntable, you’ll notice the deflection also reverses.
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