Carnival Swing Question, I am severely stuck

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a physics problem related to a carnival swing, specifically applying Newton's second law to analyze the forces acting on the chair and its occupant. The user, @star33, is struggling to derive a quadratic equation from the x and y components of the forces involved. Key concepts include centripetal force and tension, which are essential for understanding the dynamics of the system. Participants emphasize the importance of illustrating a free body diagram to visualize the forces at play.

PREREQUISITES
  • Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Centripetal Force Concepts
  • Free Body Diagram Analysis
  • Basic Algebra for Solving Equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review how to construct and interpret free body diagrams
  • Study the relationship between centripetal force and tension in circular motion
  • Learn techniques for solving quadratic equations in physics problems
  • Explore examples of applying Newton's laws to real-world scenarios
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of forces in circular motion, particularly in practical applications like amusement park rides.

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Homework Statement
A “swing” ride at a carnival consists of chairs that are swung in
a circle by 3.0 m cables attached to a vertical rotating pole, as the
drawing shows. Suppose the total mass of a chair and its occupant is
50.0 kg.
(2.a) Plot the free body diagram of the chair and its occupant.
(2.b) Determine the tension T in the cable attached to the chair
when its velocity is 3.46 m/s. [Hint: You may need to solve a
quadratic equation to find θ.]
Relevant Equations
centripital force=tension
mg=tension(costheta)
I found the x and y components and then divided the two equations to see if I can solve for the angle but that did not work. I have been at this for two hours, please help me.
Screenshot 2023-12-16 at 1.01.55 PM.png
 
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Please post your work. Did you come to a quadratic equation?
 
No I did not, that is the part I am having trouble with. Could you please help me with it?
 
star33 said:
No I did not, that is the part I am having trouble with. Could you please help me with it?
Go back to part (2.a).
Write Newton's second law for the system consisting of the chair and the occupant.
Post your work.
 
star33 said:
Relevant Equations: centripetal force=tension
Not in this arrangement. Which way does the centripetal force need to act? Which way does the tension act?
 
star33 said:
(2.a) Plot the free body diagram of the chair and its occupant.

I found the x and y components and then divided the two equations to see if I can solve for the angle but that did not work. I have been at this for two hours, please help me.
Welcome, @star33 !

Could you please show us your free body diagram, and the x and y components, and the two equations?
 

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