Angular velocity and string tension

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a ball being whirled in a horizontal circle, requiring calculations related to angular velocity, linear speed, and string tension. The context is centered around concepts of circular motion in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of angular velocity and linear speed, with confusion arising around the application of these values to find string tension. Questions are raised about the use of calculated velocity in the tension formula and the definitions of linear versus angular velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide clarification on the relationship between linear velocity and angular velocity, while others express confusion regarding the formulas and their applications. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to calculating tension, but guidance has been offered regarding the definitions and relationships of the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of an initial speed in the problem statement and question whether the calculated speed from part (b) can be used in the tension formula. There is also a mention of the original poster's background in art, which may contribute to their confusion with the physics concepts.

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Homework Statement



A ball of mass 0.13 kg, is whirled round in a horizontal circle, on the end of a
string of length 0.60m, and completes 5 revolutions per second.
Calculate:

(a) the angular velocity of the ball;
(b) the speed of the ball;
(c) the tension of the string.


Homework Equations



(a) Angular velocity = (2) x (Pi) x (Frequency of revolutions)
(b) Speed of ball = (radius) x (angular velocity)
(c) tension in string = (mass) x (initial speed*2)
.......divided by 2

* = To the power of

The Attempt at a Solution



(a) Angular velocity = 31.4 rad/s
(b) Speed of ball = 18.84 m/s
(c) Tension in string = ?

im confused about part (c) the question does not give an initial speed, so do i use the velocity i have got from part (b) is it not the same thing or would it be wrong to do that?

any help is appreciated...
 
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The velocity in your tension formula is the linear velocity at which uniform circular motion is being executed.
 
Last edited:
Pi-Bond said:
The velocity in your tension formula is the velocity at which uniform circular motion is being executed.

im new to this physics thing! i came from a art course last year so if you could say that in terms i would understand that would be awesome. Are you saying that I've got the wrong formula?
 
No, your formula is alright. The velocity you got in (b) is the linear velocity (you should remember this).
 
Pi-Bond said:
No, your formula is alright. The velocity you got in (b) is the linear velocity (you should remember this).

Im not going to lie, I am a lot more confussed now, than i was before. i think you over-estimated my physics knowledge haha

so how can part (b) be linear velocity? isn't linear velocity = distance /over/ time

and how do i find the tension of the string...
 
Yes, what you said about linear velocity is right. In case of the circle, the distance would be along the circumference of the circle. And in this type of motion, you can relate the angular velocity and linear velocity by the formula you used in (b).

The force required to keep an object in circular motion is given by

[itex]\frac{mv^{2}}{2}[/itex]

In this case the force is the tension force of the string.
 
ok man thank for the help
 
Pi-Bond said:
The force required to keep an object in circular motion is given by

[itex]\frac{mv^{2}}{2}[/itex]

In this case the force is the tension force of the string.

Make that:
[tex]\frac{m v^2}{r}[/tex]
(No doubt the 2 was a typo)
 
Right, that was a typo, I just copied from OP's post without thinking :/
 

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