Verifying the equation for centripetal force: an augmented reality approach

Classroom experiments related to investigating the centripetal force are often underrepresented in the physics teaching practice. This is largely due to the fact that schools lack the proper equipment and teachers lack the time to perform the rather tedious data collection procedures which are characteristic for some of the traditional experimental setups. A possible solution to this problem is to develop and utilize alternative experimental setups within the digital environment. In fact, earlier research has shown that new generations of students are highly motivated to learn physics in digital environments and that these environments often provide at least as efficient learning of concepts as traditional environments. In this article, we present an augmented reality Android application named CEntripetalForceAR (CEFAR) that allows students to experimentally investigate how centripetal force depends on the period of orbital motion and the orbital radius. A possible pedagogical approach to using CEFAR is also described, including suggestions on how CEFAR can be used to overcome some of the most common misconceptions related to circular motion. A user experience survey which included 163 first-year university students showed that CEFAR can be awarded an excellent usability rating. Most students stated that the application helped them to improve their understanding about centripetal force either by visualization or by the possibility to explore cause and effect relationships.