Calculating Radius & Max Speed of Rock in Figure D

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the radius and maximum speed of a rock being whirled in a circular motion, given specific parameters such as mass, tension in the strings, and the geometry of the setup. The problem is situated within the context of dynamics and circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of Newton's second law and trigonometric relationships to determine the radius and speed. There are attempts to derive equations based on the forces acting on the rock and the geometry of the strings. Questions arise regarding the validity of the derived equations and the assumptions made in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided equations and reasoning for calculating the radius and speed, while others express confusion about the application of these equations. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between tension, angle, and the resulting forces, with no clear consensus on the correctness of the approaches taken.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of converting the mass of the rock to kilograms and question the assumptions regarding the angles and components of tension. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the problem setup and the mathematical relationships involved.

huskydc
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as shown: in the picture, look at figure d) (attachment) don't worry about figure a) --- given:

720 gm rock

each string has a tension of 29 N

the rock is held by two of the 45 cm strings with ends 56 cm apart and whirled in a circle between them. Neglect gravity.
What is the radius of the circle of motion?


what is the maximum speed the rock can have before the string breaks?
 

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Hmm, this is a curvilinear trajectory dealing with only normal acceleration component (radial), apply Newton's 2nd Law. Now that i think about it you can calculate the radius through trigonometry :smile:. If you have any more questions i will come back later today, after a good night sleep.
 
Last edited:
well, i found the radius to be 35.22 cm. and i also found the respective angle between direction of acceleration and the string tensions. from each string to the r as shown, angle is 38.48 degrees. but i don't know where to go from here
 
Yes now you need to apply Newton's 2nd Law

Now with [itex]\theta[/itex]

[tex]T \cos \theta + T \cos \theta = m \frac{v^2}{R}[/tex]

solve for v.
 
didn't work cyclovenom,

but how did you come up with that equation?
 
It should have worked, well the Tension have 2 components, one of them is acting radially, and because there are two tensions both of them hace 1 component acting as the centripetal force. Rememeber to convert the mass of the rock to kilograms!.
 
Last edited:
huskydc said:
didn't work cyclovenom,

but how did you come up with that equation?

Horizontal components of T:
[tex]T_x = Tcos\theta[/tex], where [tex]\theta = sin^{-1}(\frac{d}{2s})[/tex], where d = 0,56m and s = 0,45m

So, the equation solves into:
[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{2Tcos(sin^{-1}(\frac{d}{2s}))\sqrt{s^2-(\frac{d}{2})^2}}{m}}[/tex]


In my markings [tex]sin^{-1} = arcsin[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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