Circular motion of a ball and string

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a ball being whirled in a horizontal circle at a specific radius, with the string breaking and the ball landing a certain distance away. The goal is to determine the radial acceleration of the ball during its circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the lack of time and velocity information, questioning how to proceed without these values. Some suggest using kinematics to calculate velocity, while others propose treating the scenario as a projectile motion problem to find initial velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is recognition of the need to derive initial velocity from projectile motion concepts, but confusion remains regarding how to apply these ideas effectively.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of certain information, such as time and velocity, which complicates their ability to solve for radial acceleration. There is an acknowledgment of the need to make assumptions in order to progress.

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Homework Statement


A ball on the end of a string is whirled around in a horizontal circle of radius 0.366 m. The plane of the circle is 1.50 m above the ground. The string breaks and the ball lands 2.20 m (horizontally) away from the point on the ground directly beneath the ball's location when the string breaks. Find the radial acceleration of the ball during its circular motion.


Homework Equations


a = v^2/r
T = 2pi(r)/v


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the radial acceleration is towards the center of the circle
what i do not understand is that they do not give me time or velocity.
so how i figure it out!?

am i supposed to be assuming something?
 
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physics_geek said:

Homework Statement


A ball on the end of a string is whirled around in a horizontal circle of radius 0.366 m. The plane of the circle is 1.50 m above the ground. The string breaks and the ball lands 2.20 m (horizontally) away from the point on the ground directly beneath the ball's location when the string breaks. Find the radial acceleration of the ball during its circular motion.


Homework Equations


a = v^2/r
T = 2pi(r)/v


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the radial acceleration is towards the center of the circle
what i do not understand is that they do not give me time or velocity.
so how i figure it out!?

am i supposed to be assuming something?

You gota calculate velocity using kinematics.
 
o kinematics

but that would require something like d = .5at^2 rite?
 
basically just treat it as a projectile motion question to get intial velocity then that initial V is your velocity for the circular motion.
 
well if I am to treat it as a projectile motion question

that does not really help me figure out initial velocity...im sorry
im just really confused
 

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