Calculating Centripetal Force for 6 kg Object

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the centripetal force required to rotate a 6 kg object in a circular path with a radius of 6 meters at a frequency of one revolution per second. The relevant equation for centripetal force is provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of centripetal force using different approaches, including the original poster's use of the formula CF = mv²/r and the suggestion to use CF = m r ω². Questions arise regarding the correctness of the calculations and the interpretation of variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion reflects a mix of confirmations and corrections regarding the calculations. Some participants express confusion about the formulas and the values used, while others provide guidance on incorporating angular velocity and maintaining unit consistency in calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the implications of using different formulas for centripetal force and the importance of correctly interpreting the variables involved, particularly the relationship between linear and angular velocity.

John78
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Homework Statement




Find the centripetal force required to rotate 6 kg object in a circle at a radius of 6m at one revolution per second.


Homework Equations



C.F. = mv2/r


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b


Circumference=2 pi r=2*3.14*6=37.68

C.F. = 6*(37.68)2/6=1419.78



I just want to check whether my working is correct or not.
 
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that's about what I got too ^^
 
Looks like you wrote down
CF = m v2/r

but then you calculated the circumference, C = 2 π r

and then you said,

CF = r C2/6 = C2

Why would you expect the centripetal force to be equal to the square of the circumference?

It really is not.

Try it again, starting with CF = m r ω2 and see how that turns out for you. You failed to get the time information into the problem.
 
so

CF = m r ω2

CF = 6*6*(37.68)2=51112?
 
OldEngr63 said:
Looks like you wrote down
CF = m v2/r

but then you calculated the circumference, C = 2 π r

and then you said,

CF = r C2/6 = C2

Why would you expect the centripetal force to be equal to the square of the circumference?

It really is not.

Try it again, starting with CF = m r ω2 and see how that turns out for you. You failed to get the time information into the problem.

That's not really what he is doing, I think... He is doing CF = m v^2 / r, it just so happens that v is one circumference per second and that m and r have the same numerical value...
 
now i am confused :C
 
John78 said:
now i am confused :C

You shouldn't be, you got it right the first time around.
However, to get it right with the second formula, you have to use the proper value for ω, which in this case is 2π/s.

It would probably clear things up, if you would carry the units throughout your calculation and not just the numbers, that way you can always check if your result makes sense.
 
I think your working is correct
 

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