Top and bottom of a swinging object

  • Thread starter MechaMZ
  • Start date
In summary, the tension at the bottom of a vertical circle with non-uniform speed is always maximum because it must provide the centripetal force as well as balance the gravitational force. At the top, the tension may be minimum if the speed is just right to cancel out the gravitational force. This can be explained using energy considerations.
  • #1
MechaMZ
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0

Homework Statement



In a vertical circle with non uniform speed, why we always say that the tension at the bottom is a maximum and the tension at the top is minimum?
Is there any mathematical method to prove it? I don't understand why we always assume in this way.


The Attempt at a Solution



could it because of energy?
 
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  • #2
At the bottom the tension provides the centripetal force as usual but also must balance the gravitational force which is at that point entirely in the opposite direction to the tension force.
 
  • #3
so could we say the tension is zero since both of the gravitational force and tension are in the same direction?
 
  • #4
At the bottom of the swing tension is up, gravity down.
At the top, it could happen that they cancel out of the speed is just right.
 

FAQ: Top and bottom of a swinging object

1. What is the top and bottom of a swinging object?

The top and bottom of a swinging object refer to the highest and lowest points of the object's swing. This can also be described as the apex (top) and nadir (bottom) of the object's arc.

2. How does the top and bottom of a swinging object affect its motion?

The top and bottom points of a swinging object are crucial in determining the object's motion. At the top, the object's velocity is at its lowest, while at the bottom, the velocity is at its highest. This causes the object to continuously swing back and forth.

3. Can the top and bottom of a swinging object change?

Yes, the top and bottom points of a swinging object can change depending on external factors such as the force applied to the object, the angle of the swing, and the length of the object. These factors can alter the object's motion and change the position of the top and bottom points.

4. How does gravity affect the top and bottom of a swinging object?

Gravity plays a significant role in the top and bottom points of a swinging object. The force of gravity pulls the object towards the center of the Earth, causing it to swing back and forth. The top and bottom points of the object's swing are determined by the pull of gravity and the object's initial momentum.

5. What is the relationship between the top and bottom of a swinging object and its period?

The period of a swinging object (the time it takes for one complete swing) is affected by the distance between the top and bottom points of its swing. The longer the distance, the longer the period, and vice versa. This is because a longer distance means the object has a longer path to traverse, resulting in a longer time to complete one swing.

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