Centripetal force problem with tension

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SUMMARY

The centripetal force problem involves a mass m swung in a vertical circle with a radius of 0.75 m. The tension in the supporting wire is six times the weight of the object, leading to the equation Fc = T - W. The calculated velocity is 7 m/s, resulting in an angular velocity of 9.33 radians per second. However, the final answer for the rotation rate is corrected to 77.2 revolutions per minute, indicating an error in the initial calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force (Fc = mv²/r)
  • Knowledge of angular velocity (ω = v/r)
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Basic physics concepts including weight (W = mg)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of centripetal force equations
  • Practice problems involving tension in circular motion
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular velocity
  • Study the effects of varying mass and radius on rotational dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators looking for examples of tension and centripetal force in practical applications.

BrainMan
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Homework Statement


In a test of machine-part reliability, a specimen of mass m is swung in a vertical circle of constant radius .75 m. When the object is at the bottom the circular path, the tension in the supporting wire is found to be six times the weight of the object. Determine the rotation rate in revolutions per minute


Homework Equations


Fc = mv^2/r
ω = v/r



The Attempt at a Solution


I drew a free body diagram and realized that the only forces acting on the system is the centripetal force, which is composed of the weight of the object and the tension so
Fc = T - W
mv^2 = 6(9.8)(M) - (9.8)(M)
v^2 = 5(9.8)
v^2 = 49
v = 7 m/s

ω = v/r
ω = 7/.75
ω = 9 and 1/3 radians per second

So in 1 min there will be 560 radians
560/ 2 pi
So there will be 89.126 rotations per minute.
This answer is wrong the correct answer is 77.2 rev/min
 
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BrainMan said:

Homework Equations


Fc = mv^2/r
ω = v/r

The Attempt at a Solution


Fc = T - W
Correct.

mv^2 = 6(9.8)(M) - (9.8)(M)
Oops!

The method is OK, except for that one mistake.
 
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AlephZero said:
Correct.


Oops!

The method is OK, except for that one mistake.
Thanks!
 

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