Centripetal force problem with tension

In summary, the given problem involves a test of machine-part reliability where a mass m is swung in a vertical circle of radius 0.75 m. The tension in the supporting wire at the bottom of the circular path is found to be six times the weight of the object. Using the equations Fc = mv^2/r and ω = v/r, we can determine the rotation rate in revolutions per minute. By setting up a free body diagram and solving for v, we get a value of 7 m/s. Using this value, we can calculate ω to be 9 and 1/3 radians per second. However, a mistake was made in the calculation for the number of rotations per minute, resulting in an incorrect
  • #1
BrainMan
279
2

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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  • #2
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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  • #3
AlephZero said:
Correct.


Oops!

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

1. What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is a force that acts towards the center of a circular motion. It is required to keep an object moving in a circular path.

2. How is centripetal force related to tension?

In a centripetal force problem with tension, tension is the force that provides the centripetal force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. Tension acts as the centripetal force and is always directed towards the center of the circle.

3. How do you calculate the tension in a centripetal force problem?

To calculate the tension in a centripetal force problem, you can use the formula T = mv^2/r, where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

4. Can tension be greater than centripetal force in a centripetal force problem?

No, tension can never be greater than centripetal force in a centripetal force problem. The tension force is the force that provides the centripetal force, so it must be equal to or less than the centripetal force.

5. How does the angle of the string in a centripetal force problem affect the tension?

The angle of the string in a centripetal force problem does not affect the tension. As long as the string remains taut, the tension will remain constant regardless of the angle it makes with the circular path. However, the angle can affect the magnitude and direction of the centripetal force required to keep the object moving in a circular path.

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