A2 Physics students have been putting theory into practice with the whirling bung experiment, a required practical that explores the physics behind circular motion.
29 September, 2026
Putting Circular Motion to the Test
During the experiment, students investigated the relationship between mass, centripetal force and angular velocity. By changing the centripetal force and carefully timing how long the bung took to complete 20 rotations, they collected the measurements needed to test the principles they have been studying in class.
Students then used their results to produce and analyse a graph, allowing them to investigate whether their experimental data supported the theoretical relationship for circular motion. From their findings, they could also calculate an accurate experimental value for gravitational acceleration, ‘g’.
The practical gave students valuable experience in collecting precise measurements, analysing data and evaluating experimental results, while seeing an important area of A Level Physics in action.
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