Mechanics > Kinematics >  2-D > Circular Motion

DCS# 1D52.45

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ROTATING CORN

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APPARATUS

turntable	101-02-D2
huge inverted dog bowl or 11" tupperware tub	101-02-D2
potting soil	101-02-D2
corn seeds	101-02-D2
plant light	101-15-C

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DESCRIPTION

Show how corn grows in a rotating reference frame.

 

NOTES

 

Use 78 rpm.

Angle from vertical is given by:

θ	= tan-1 (Fc/Fg)
	= v2/rg
	= ω 2r/g
	= (2π *78 rev / 60 s)2 (0.15 m) / (9.8 m/s2)
	= 1.0
	= 45�

Plant corn about two weeks before demo is to be shown.  Or let the seeds germinate in wet paper towels before planting.  Plant in a ring about 15 cm in radius.  Position the plant light to the side rather than directly above the pot so that the effect cannot be attributed to the light-seeking behavior of the plants.  See detailed instructions in corn.docx.

This is also available as a corridor display: