Calculate minimum speed of an object in circular motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum speed of an object in circular motion at a specific point, referred to as point z, while ensuring the string remains taut. The subject area involves concepts from mechanics, particularly forces in circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to draw a force diagram to identify the forces acting on the object at point z. There is an emphasis on balancing forces to determine the minimum speed.

Discussion Status

Some participants have started to explore the forces involved, specifically tension and weight, and are questioning how these forces interact at point z. There is an ongoing inquiry into the calculation of tension, particularly in different orientations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to express the solution in terms of variables rather than numerical values, which may influence the approach to the problem. There is also a mention of the need to clarify the definition of tension in the context of the problem.

johnarma
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Homework Statement



Picture of my object
http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=circlekz1.png
How do i calculate the least amount of speed ( aka vmin) an object has at point z without breaking the string or making it go slack. I also need to show how I got it.

There should be little to no numbers used. This is mostly variables and in putting vmin on one side and showing how i got there.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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johnarma said:

Homework Statement



Picture of my object
http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=circlekz1.png
How do i calculate the least amount of speed ( aka vmin) an object has at point z without breaking the string or making it go slack. I also need to show how I got it.

There should be little to no numbers used. This is mostly variables and in putting vmin on one side and showing how i got there.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Welcome to PF.

Draw a force diagram and identify what forces at z need to be in balance to satisfy the minimum speed.
 
the only 2 forces are t and w but those are going in the same direction, there is no force in an opposing direction!
 
johnarma said:
the only 2 forces are t and w but those are going in the same direction, there is no force in an opposing direction!

And what again is the "T"?

How do you calculate T if it was horizontal?
 

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