Carnival Swing Question, I am severely stuck

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to forces acting on a carnival swing, specifically focusing on the application of Newton's second law and the analysis of centripetal force and tension in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the breakdown of forces into x and y components and the attempt to derive an angle from these components. There are inquiries about the formulation of a quadratic equation and the necessity of a free body diagram.

Discussion Status

Some participants are seeking clarification on the correct application of forces and the relationships between tension and centripetal force. Guidance has been offered regarding the need for a free body diagram and the x and y components of the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a two-hour struggle with the problem, indicating potential frustration and the need for further assistance. The original poster has not yet reached a quadratic equation, which may suggest missing steps in their reasoning.

star33
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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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