Various locations during a vertical circular motion

In summary: Now you can solve for T to get the tension in the string. In summary, for a vertical circular motion, it is standard to solve for tension at the 4 common points on the circle (North, South, East, West). To solve for tension at other locations, you need to take components along the string and consider the tangential acceleration. Applying Newton's 2nd law in the direction of the string, you can derive the equation T-Wcosθ=mv^2/r to solve for tension.
  • #1
Boomzxc
25
0
For a vertical circular motion, its standard to solve for tension at the 4 common points on the circle (North, South, East, West)

My question is, is it possible to solve for tension at other locations?
Example :https://www.dropbox.com/s/c4q1sprphol2tzb/20151127_020345.jpg?dl=0

Can i resolve vertically and horizontally,
I.e. vertically : Tcosθ =mg,
Horizontally : Tsinθ=[mv^2/r]sinθ
Doesn't seem quite right though..

Can advise/explain on how to approach/solve this questions?

Thanks a million!
 
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  • #2
Does the object have only centripetal acceleration, or does it also have some tangential acceleration?

You stated that Tcosθ = mg. Wouldn't this imply that the vertical component of total acceleration is zero? Why would that be true?

When you wrote Tsinθ=[mv^2/r]sinθ you have not accounted for tangential acceleration.

I would recommend that you take components along the string.
 
  • #3
TSny said:
Does the object have only centripetal acceleration, or does it also have some tangential acceleration?

You stated that Tcosθ = mg. Wouldn't this imply that the vertical component of total acceleration is zero? Why would that be true?

When you wrote Tsinθ=[mv^2/r]sinθ you have not accounted for tangential acceleration.

I would recommend that you take components along the string.
OHHhh
Vertically, Tcosθ=mg + rα
Where α is angular acceleration, rα is tangential acceleration

Horizontally ,Tsinθ=[mv^2/r]sinθ + rα?

I have learn from my lecture notes at that the east and west positions just horizontally T=[mv^2/r] will do
As for top position its tension = weight - mv^2/r

And for bottom position tension = W + mv^2/r
Is it correct? ??

When do we have to consider tangential acceleration?
 
  • #4
Boomzxc said:
Vertically, Tcosθ=mg + rα
Where α is angular acceleration, rα is tangential acceleration
rα is the tangential acceleration, but it's direction is not vertical. To make the above equation correct, you would need to take the vertical component of rα.

Horizontally ,Tsinθ=[mv^2/r]sinθ + rα?
Here you would need to use the horizontal component of rα.

I have learn from my lecture notes at that the east and west positions just horizontally T=[mv^2/r] will do
As for top position its tension = weight - mv^2/r

And for bottom position tension = W + mv^2/r
Is it correct? ??
Yes. You should be able to derive these results.

When do we have to consider tangential acceleration?
If you are looking for the tension, you do not need to consider the tangential acceleration if you consider the application of F = ma along the direction of the string.
 
  • #5
TSny said:
rα is the tangential acceleration, but it's direction is not vertical. To make the above equation correct, you would need to take the vertical component of rα.Here you would need to use the horizontal component of rα.Yes. You should be able to derive these results.If you are looking for the tension, you do not need to consider the tangential acceleration if you consider the application of F = ma along the direction of the string.
How to apply Newton's 2nd law in the direction of the string?
∑F=ma,
T=mv^2/r?
Please help):
 
  • #6
You know that there are two forces acting on the pendulum bob. Can you find the component of each of these forces along the string? Note that this is the same as finding the "centripetal" component of each force. One of the forces happens to act in the centripetal direction, so the centripetal component of that force is the entire force. However, the other force does not act in the centripetal direction. You will need to use a little trig to find the centripetal component of that force.
 
  • #7
TSny said:
You know that there are two forces acting on the pendulum bob. Can you find the component of each of these forces along the string? Note that this is the same as finding the "centripetal" component of each force. One of the forces happens to act in the centripetal direction, so the centripetal component of that force is the entire force. However, the other force does not act in the centripetal direction. You will need to use a little trig to find the centripetal component of that force.

Only tension is acting in the direction of centripetal force, weight is vertically down?
 
  • #8
Right, the weight acts vertically down. But the weight does have a nonzero component along the string. You need to find this component of the weight.
 
  • #9
TSny said:
Right, the weight acts vertically down. But the weight does have a nonzero component along the string. You need to find this component of the weight.

Weightcosθ?
 
  • #10
Yes. Now set up the second law along the centripetal direction:

ΣFc = mac

where the "c" subscript refers to components of force or acceleration in the centripetal direction.
 
  • #11
TSny said:
Yes. Now set up the second law along the centripetal direction:

ΣFc = mac

where the "c" subscript refers to components of force or acceleration in the centripetal direction.

ΣF=ma
In the direction of centripetal acceleration,
T-Wcosθ=mv^2/r?
 
  • #12
Boomzxc said:
ΣF=ma
In the direction of centripetal acceleration,
T-Wcosθ=mv^2/r?
Yes, that looks good.
 

1. What is vertical circular motion?

Vertical circular motion is a type of motion where an object follows a circular path in a vertical plane. This means that the object moves up and down while also moving in a circular motion.

2. What are some examples of vertical circular motion?

Some common examples of vertical circular motion include a roller coaster going through a loop, a pendulum swinging, and a satellite orbiting the Earth.

3. What causes an object to experience vertical circular motion?

An object experiences vertical circular motion when it is acted upon by a centripetal force. This force is directed towards the center of the circular path and keeps the object moving in a circular motion.

4. How does the speed of an object change during vertical circular motion?

The speed of an object in vertical circular motion is not constant. As the object moves up, it slows down due to the force of gravity, and as it moves down, it speeds up. This results in a changing speed throughout the circular path.

5. What is the relationship between the radius and velocity in vertical circular motion?

In vertical circular motion, the radius and velocity are inversely proportional. This means that as the radius of the circular path increases, the velocity decreases, and vice versa.

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