Circular Motion, only radius known

In summary, the problem involves a carnival ride with a large horizontal steel disc and cars suspended by 6.0 m long chains. The disc rotates and causes the cars to swing out and revolve in a circular path. The angle of the chains to the vertical is given as 20 degrees at the operating speed. Using the equations a=mv^2/r and v=2*pi*r/T, the attempt at a solution involved treating it as a horizontal situation and finding the horizontal radius. However, the next step is unclear and the forces involved are tension and weight. Since the chains are floppy, the force will be along the chain.
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Homework Statement


A carnival ride has a large horizontal steel disc of radius 5.0 m from which cars are suspended by
6.0 m long chains. The disc is rotated about its axis so that the cars swing out and revolve in a
circular path. At its operating speed, the angle of the chains to the vertical is 20 degrees. Find the speed of the cars.


Homework Equations


a=mv^2/r

v=2*pi*r/T


The Attempt at a Solution


Ive started by treating it as a horizontal situation, and found the horizontal radius which equals 6*sin(20) + 5=7.05m. And now I am clueless, where do i go on from here?
Thanks.
 
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thank you!

especially that last bit about the chain, never knew that! :biggrin:
 

1. What is circular motion?

Circular motion is the motion of an object in a circular path around a fixed point, also known as the center of the circle. This type of motion is characterized by a constant radius and a changing velocity, as the object moves at a tangent to the circle at each point.

2. What factors affect the speed of an object in circular motion?

The speed of an object in circular motion is affected by two main factors: the radius of the circle and the time it takes for the object to complete one full revolution. A smaller radius or a faster time will result in a higher speed, while a larger radius or a slower time will result in a lower speed.

3. How can I calculate the acceleration of an object in circular motion?

The acceleration of an object in circular motion can be calculated using the formula a = v^2/r, where a is the acceleration, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circle. This formula shows that the acceleration is directly proportional to the square of the velocity and inversely proportional to the radius.

4. What is the difference between uniform and non-uniform circular motion?

Uniform circular motion refers to the motion of an object in a circular path at a constant speed, while non-uniform circular motion refers to the motion of an object with a changing speed. In non-uniform circular motion, the object's velocity vector changes, indicating an acceleration towards the center of the circle.

5. Can an object in circular motion have a constant velocity?

No, an object in circular motion cannot have a constant velocity because it is constantly changing direction as it moves along the circular path. This means that even if the object is moving at a constant speed, its velocity is always changing and therefore not constant.

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