Calculating Centripetal Force for a Bull in Orbit

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the centripetal force required to keep a bull in orbit when the radius of the orbit is reduced to one-fourth of its original size. The problem is situated within the context of circular motion and centripetal force concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between radius and centripetal force, questioning how the force changes when the radius is decreased. There are inquiries about the specific calculations involved and the implications of the radius change on the required force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using the centripetal force equation to explore the problem further. There is an acknowledgment of the need for caution in providing direct answers, emphasizing the educational nature of the inquiry.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is framed as a schoolwork-like question, indicating a preference for guidance over direct solutions. There is also a mention of the bull's weight and speed remaining constant, which may influence the discussion on force calculations.

Bjarne
Messages
344
Reaction score
0
http://www.science27.com/forum/coworbit.jpg

How much relative stronger force would it require to keep a bull in orbit when the radius was 4 times shorter.

And how can this are calculated...?

(The bull only wants to move straight ahead , weight and speed is the same)


4 times ?
2 times ?
8 times ?
Or ?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Bjarne said:
http://www.science27.com/forum/coworbit.jpg

How much relative stronger force would it require to keep a bull in orbit when the radius was 4 times shorter.

And how can this are calculated...?

(The bull only wants to move straight ahead , weight and speed is the same)


4 times ?
2 times ?
8 times ?
Or ?

You would need to use the centripetal force equation. If the radius was four times smaller, the force needed to keep the bull in orbit would be << answer deleted by berkeman >> times bigger.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bjarne said:
http://www.science27.com/forum/coworbit.jpg

How much relative stronger force would it require to keep a bull in orbit when the radius was 4 times shorter.

And how can this are calculated...?

(The bull only wants to move straight ahead , weight and speed is the same)


4 times ?
2 times ?
8 times ?
Or ?

Use the equations for centripetal force. You can read about them here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centripital_force

So based on that wiki page, what do you think the answer is?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Cryxic said:
You would need to use the centripetal force equation. If the radius was four times smaller, the force needed to keep the bull in orbit would be << answer deleted by berkeman >> times bigger.

(This is a schoolwork-like question. Please do not give the answer. Thanks.)
 

Similar threads

Velocity required to escape the solar system
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Calculating Angle & Speed to Reach Planet's Moon from Station Orbit
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Time period of an object traveling in an elliptical orbit
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Angular and orbital speed at perihelion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Does an orbiting satellite speed up as it falls towards earth
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Gravity and speed of information for orbiting planets
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
1K
Having trouble working out centripetal force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating the difference in force between crumple zone cars and bull bar car
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
Why Does a Smaller Radius Increase Centripetal Force?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Circular Motion Questions (energies, forces, angular velocities, etc.)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K