Circular Motion Problem (Using Newtonian Physics)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing a fair ride modeled as a circular motion scenario using Newtonian physics. The setup includes a pole, a cable, and a chair, with specific measurements provided, such as the lengths of the rod and cable, and an angle. The objective is to determine the time for one complete revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down the problem using free body diagrams and equations of motion. There are attempts to solve for centripetal acceleration and the time period of revolution, with some expressing confusion about the necessary values and methods. Questions about the correctness of approaches and results are also raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants sharing their methods and equations while others seek clarification on specific aspects of the problem. There is acknowledgment of progress made by some, but no consensus on the final answer or method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of certain acceleration values and express frustration with the complexity of the problem, which may be compounded by external stressors. There is mention of the problem being even while the textbook provides only odd answers, indicating potential discrepancies in expected outcomes.

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Homework Statement


The problem is basically a fair ride that has a pole as its base, another pole sticking out of it, the a cable with a chair at the end. I am given the length of the rod sticking out (3.00 m), the cable (5.00 m) and the angle between 30.0[tex]\circ[/tex]. I have to find the time it takes for 1 revolution around. The only other figure I can come up with is just -g.

Homework Equations


[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fy=may=Fc-mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex]=0
arad=[tex]\frac{v^2}{R}[/tex]=[tex]\frac{4\pi^2}{T^2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


All I have done so far is solved for the how far the seat is from that 30 degree angle in both x and y directions. I had been flying through these problems except this one is like a wall, I have been lost on it for the past about 4 hours. Though my frustration and anger has made it difficult to make any progress. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I see nothing but dead ends no matter which way I try to solve this. I am going to try to rework my free body diagram, will edit when have more figured out.

Edit:Close thread, found out how to do this. Used some of forces equations to solve for m on both equations and then replaced my a with the second equation up there, my forces canceled, now just have some algebra to do.
 
Last edited:
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Solve for centripetal acceleration.
 
MHrtz said:
Solve for centripetal acceleration.

I found out how to do it, I don't know if I could have solved for my centripetal acceleration since I have not been given any acceleration values other than gravitation. Maybe I am misunderstanding what you are telling me.
 
How did you find the answer and do you know if it's right?
 
I simply broke down my free body diagram of the seat and cam up with these equations.

[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fsy = may = Fccos[tex]\theta[/tex]-mg = 0
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fsx = max = Fcsin[tex]\theta[/tex]

Then moved the mg over to that 0, divided by g to solve for m. Then solved for m on the bottom equation and substituted for the m in each equation to have.

(Fcsin[tex]\theta[/tex])/ax = (Fccos[tex]\theta[/tex])/g

Then I used the second formula in my original post to replace my ax with the second part of the arad equation. Then had a big mess, however, my Fc ended up canceling and my only unknown variable left is T which is what I need to solve for XD.

I think I had more trouble with this simply because I was stressing over things going on in my life, and thus made it difficult to focus. I still appreciate all the help that was offered.
 
The centripetal acceleration is ax^2 + ay^2 but you only needed the radial component ax. That's what I was getting at. Nonetheless, good work.
 
If anyone has completely worked this did you get an answer along the lines of 5.91 s? It is an even problem and my book only has odd answers in the back.
 

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