Tension problem involving Centriptal force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a tension problem involving centripetal force, where a mass rotates around a stick connected by two strings. The original poster seeks to determine the tension in both strings while considering the weight of the mass and its relationship to the forces acting on it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the balance of forces in the vertical direction and the implications of no vertical acceleration. There are inquiries about how the weight of the mass influences the tension in the strings and the relationship between tension and centripetal force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the need to analyze forces and apply Newton's second law, while others express confusion about the distribution of weight between the two strings. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, and there is an ongoing examination of the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of labeling forces and considering both x and y components in their analysis. There is an emphasis on not jumping to conclusions or providing direct answers, reflecting the forum's learning-first approach.

Lucky14
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I am having a tough time solving this problem where a mass, connected to two strings with equal distance fixed to a stick, rotates around the stick at a given speed and i need to solve for tension in both the upper and lower string.
Looks like this
http://www.webassign.net/pse/p6-11.gif
Thank You for your time

What i really need to know is how the weight vector of the mass is reflected in the tension.
 
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I guess the most subtle but improtant hint would note that there is no acceleration in the y direction... from there you can list your forces and solve the system of equations.
 
i know the net force on the y-axis is equal to zero and the tension must somehow balance both the weight of the object and the centriptal force of the object. My real trouble is that i think that the higher string is supporting all of the weight of the object but i keep getting the wrong answer. Does anyone know how the force of the objects weight is reflected in the tension forces.
 
Lucky14 said:
Does anyone know how the force of the objects weight is reflected in the tension forces.
It seems like you want to write the answer directly, solving it in your head. Don't! Instead, label the forces, apply Newton's 2nd law, and solve for the tension in each string.

Call the tension in the strings [itex]T_1[/itex] (top) and [itex]T_2[/itex] (bottom). What are the components of the tensions in the x and y directions? You realize that the net force in the y-direction must be zero: Good! What must the net force in the x-direction equal?
 

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