Centripetal Acceleration of rope and bucket

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the centripetal acceleration of a bucket being whirled in a vertical circle. The bucket has a mass of 2.00 kg and a radius of 1.10 m. At the lowest point, the tension in the rope is 25.0 N, leading to a calculated speed of 1.72 m/s. At the top of the circle, to prevent slack in the rope, the required speed is 4.83 m/s, confirming the necessity of both gravitational and tension forces acting towards the center.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force (Fc = mv²/r)
  • Knowledge of gravitational force (Fg = mg)
  • Familiarity with tension in ropes during circular motion
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of varying mass on centripetal acceleration
  • Learn about the dynamics of objects in vertical circular motion
  • Explore tension calculations in different scenarios of circular motion
  • Investigate the implications of slack in ropes during circular motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of circular motion and forces acting on objects in a vertical circle.

physicsnobrain
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Homework Statement


A bucket of mass 2.00 kg is whirled in a vertical circle of radius 1.10 m. At the lowest
point of its motion the tension in the rope supporting the bucket is 25.0 N. (a) Find the
speed of the bucket. (b) How fast must the bucket move at the top of the circle so that
the rope does not go slack?

Homework Equations


Fc=mv^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



For part a), since it is at the lower point. The forces acting on the bucket are gravity acting downwards, and force of tension acting towards the center. Therefore Fc = Ft-Fg. We do Ft-Fg because force of tension is stronger (because the rope isn't snapping at this point).

We set up our equation to be: mv^2/r = Ft - mg

After rearraging this equation and solving for v I get 1.72 m/s.

For part b) since it is now at the highest point, the forces acting on it are both still tension and gravity, however tension is acting towards the center so both of these forces are acting downwards. For there to be just enough for no slack the force of gravity must be less than the centripetal force.

In this case centripetal force is equal to Ft + Fg.

We set up the equation to be: mv^2/r = Ft + mg

after rearranging this equation and solving for v I get 4.83m/s.
Am I correct, please I need help anyone.
 
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part a) looks ok to me.

physicsnobrain said:
For there to be just enough for no slack.
If there's just enough for no slack, then what is Ft?
 
rcgldr said:
part a) looks ok to me.

If there's just enough for no slack, then what is Ft?

hmmm. 0N right?
 
physicsnobrain said:
hmmm. 0N right?
correct.
 

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