Since the acceleration on a MGR rotating at constant speed is directed toward the center of the MGR, orient the accelerometer so that the plane of the card is radial (i.e., pointing to the center of the MGR). The side of the accelerometer that has markings for the full range of angles (0-90° ) should be pointed toward the outside of the MGR. The bottom edge of the card should be flush with the MGR platform; hopefully the middle BB lies directly below the zero-degree mark. (Some accelerometers read different angles on the two sides. What can you do about this?)

While some people in the group keep the MGR rotating at constant speed, others should measure the rotation period accurately (which means timing for at least 5 or 10 periods, right?), while the riders should measure the angle at which the BB’s remain. In order to determine the acceleration experienced by the accelerometer BB’s, what radial distance should be measured for each rider? Be specific.
 
 

Clearly record all directly measured data.

1) Use your distance and time data above to calculate the horizontal acceleration experienced by the accelerometer BB’s. Show work clearly; do not start with numbers first.
 
 

2) Now use your direct angular measurement from above to calculate another value of the acceleration. Compare this with the value from the previous part.
 
 

3) Predict the position of the BB’s if the accelerometer were placed at the center of the ride. Explain.

If you have time repeat the measurements and calculations described above for a different period of rotation.