Circular Motion of a moving rock Problem

AI Thread Summary
To determine the minimum speed of a rock at the top of a vertical circle, the equation N + mg = mv^2/r is used, where N is the normal force, m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and r is the radius of the circle. The user initially set the normal force N to zero, assuming this is when the rock is about to lose contact, and calculated the speed as 5.2 m/s using the diameter instead of the radius. The correct radius for the calculation is 1.4 m, leading to a revised speed calculation. The confusion stemmed from using the wrong value for the radius, highlighting the importance of accurate measurements in physics problems. The discussion emphasizes the need to ensure proper values are used in equations for accurate results.
KrazySocoKid
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Homework Statement


You hold a bucket in one hand. In the bucket is a 480g rock. You swing the bucket so the rock moves in a vertical circle 2.8m in diameter. What is the minimum speed the rock must have at the top of the circle if it is to always stay in contact with the bottom of the bucket?

Homework Equations


N + mg = mv^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought this was going to be a simple answer. So I set N = 0, because that is the when the rock is about to lose contact. So then I solved for v = sqrt(r*g), which is sqrt(9.8*2.8) which gave me 5.2 m/s, but it is saying it is wrong? I think my problem must be than N must be something other than 0? But I'm not sure what to put N as in that case. Can someone help me?
 
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N is 0 for sure, but you used the diameter instead of the radius!
 
Well, damn. Thanks mate haha.
 

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