Centrifugal Governor - Physics Demonstrations - Centrifugal Governor | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Keep hands and loose clothing clear of the rotating masses. Ensure the apparatus is securely clamped to the bench.

Purpose

Demonstrates how centripetal force depends on angular velocity. As rotation speed increases, the brass masses swing outward and upward on their hinged arms, illustrating the force balance between tension, gravity, and centripetal acceleration. Connects to the historical application of centrifugal governors for engine speed regulation.

Centrifugal governor at rest on a centrifugal machine, showing two brass balls on hinged arms in the lowered position with a central threaded shaft

Centrifugal governor spinning at moderate speed, brass balls swung outward in a conical shape, motion-blurred

Centrifugal governor at high speed, brass balls nearly horizontal, motion-blurred, lower bar drawn fully upward

Figure 1: The governor at rest with masses in the lowered position, mounted on the centrifugal machine.

Figure 2: At moderate speed, the masses swing outward and the lower bar rises.

Figure 3: At high speed, the masses reach nearly horizontal. The lower bar is drawn fully upward — in a real governor, this motion controls a throttle valve.

Centrifugal Machine

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Safety Warnings

Warning: Rotating Masses Safety

Purpose