Centripetal Acceleration question

In summary, the conversation involves solving for the speed (v) of a mass on a conical pendulum with given parameters. The solution involves using the equations for centripetal force and balancing forces in the y-direction to find the equation gd tan θ sin θ = v2, which can then be solved for v by taking the square root.
  • #1
DavidDishere
12
0

Homework Statement



Consider a conical pendulum that consists of a bob
on one end of a string of negligible mass with the other end of the
string attached to a point on the ceiling, as shown. Given the proper
push, this pendulum can swing in a circle at a given angle, maintaining
the same distance from the ceiling throughout its swing. If the mass of
the bob is , the length of the string is d, and the angle at which it
swings is θ, what is the speed (v) of the mass as it swings? [Hint: Find
the vertical and inward radial components of the string’s tension.]

Homework Equations



FR = (mv2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution



For [tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fy I got FT = mg/cos θ

I said r = dsinθ

And for [tex]\Sigma[/tex]FR I got FTdsin2 θ = v2

Plug in mg/cos θ for FT and sqrt(gd tanθ sin θ)= v

Is that right?
 

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  • #2
I don't follow your equation for the radial forces. You have the Ft*sinθ component equaling the centripetal force, don't you? Surely there has to be an m in it. Why is the sin squared?
 
  • #3
At the start I have
FTsin θ = mv2/r

Put in dsin θ for r and move to the other side

FTsin2 θ = mv2

Put in mg/cos θ from the y forces for FT

mgdsin2 θ/cos θ = mv2

The masses cancel and 1 of the sin2/cos becomes tangent

gd tan θ sin θ = v2

sqrt(gdtan θ sin θ) = v

Did I do something wrong? r is equal to dsin θ right?
 
  • #4
:( from your image, I find that [tex]sin \Theta = \frac{d}{R}[/tex]
 
  • #5
ApexOfDE said:
:( from your image, I find that [tex]sin \Theta = \frac{d}{R}[/tex]

sin is opp/hyp right? r would be opp and d would be hyp. sin θ = r/d So dsin θ = r
 
  • #6
DavidDishere said:
sqrt(gdtan θ sin θ) = v

Did I do something wrong? r is equal to dsin θ right?
No, your solution is perfectly fine. And yes, r = d sinθ. (In your first post you did leave off an m, as Delphi51 points out.)
 

1. What is centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and its magnitude is given by the equation a = v²/r, where v is the velocity of the object and r is the radius of the circle.

2. How is centripetal acceleration different from regular acceleration?

Regular acceleration, also known as linear acceleration, is the change in velocity over time for an object moving in a straight line. Centripetal acceleration, on the other hand, is the change in velocity over time for an object moving in a circular path.

3. What is the relationship between centripetal acceleration and centripetal force?

Centripetal acceleration and centripetal force are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the force acting on an object increases, the acceleration of the object also increases. The equation that relates these two quantities is a = F/m, where F is the force and m is the mass of the object.

4. How does changing the radius affect centripetal acceleration?

As the radius of the circle decreases, the centripetal acceleration increases. This is because the velocity of the object remains constant, but the smaller radius means that the object has to cover a smaller distance in the same amount of time, resulting in a greater acceleration. Conversely, as the radius increases, the centripetal acceleration decreases.

5. What are some real-life examples of centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is present in many everyday activities, such as turning a corner while driving, swinging a pendulum, or riding on a merry-go-round. It is also essential in the orbits of planets around the sun and satellites around Earth, as it keeps them in a stable circular path.

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