Circular Motion: Find Speed at Point A

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a lead ball being whirled in circular motion, specifically at the top of its path. The scenario includes determining the speed of the ball at this point, given its mass, the length of the string, and the tension in the string.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the ball at the top of the circle, questioning the roles of tension and weight. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between these forces and the centripetal force required for circular motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the forces involved and questioning the completeness of the original poster's approach. Some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of considering all forces acting on the ball.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a free body diagram, suggesting that visual representation of forces may be relevant to the problem-solving process. The original poster's calculations have been called into question, indicating potential misunderstandings in the application of concepts.

Bryan Tran
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Homework Statement


A .8 kg lead ball is whirled on the end of a string 5 meters long. When the ball passes through point A at the top of the path, the tension in the string is 4.96 N.
What is the speed of the bob at point A?
*NOTE - POINT A is at the top of the circle...

Homework Equations


F=ma
F=m(v2/r)

The Attempt at a Solution


F=m(v2/r)
v = √(F*r)/m

V = √(4.96*5)/.8
V = 5.57 m/s

DOESN'T WORK...!
 
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At the top of the circle, what are the forces acting and in what directions do they act (up or down) ?

The resultant of these forces is equal to the centripetal force mv2/r
 
Umm force of weight and that's all... and it acts down.
But what does that do?
 
Bryan Tran said:
Umm force of weight and that's all... and it acts down.
But what does that do?

Not just weight. Another force acts on it too. You've mentioned it in the problem itself.
 
Bryan Tran said:
Umm force of weight and that's all... and it acts down.
But what does that do?
Have you drawn a free body diagram showing the forces acting on the ball, or do you feel you have advanced beyond the point where you need to use free body diagrams?
 

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