Circular motion question - finding rpm

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving circular motion, specifically calculating the tension in strings supporting a rotating sphere and determining the rotation rate in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between tension forces and centripetal force, with attempts to calculate velocity and angular velocity. Questions arise regarding the calculations of forces and the correctness of the derived values.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the calculations, while others have raised questions about the accuracy of the original poster's approach. There appears to be a mix of agreement and uncertainty regarding the values calculated for tension and velocity.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the calculations, particularly concerning the radius used in the velocity calculations. Participants are also discussing the implications of the tension forces in relation to the motion of the sphere.

jgray
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Homework Statement



A 0.60 kg sphere rotates around a vertical shaft supported by two strings, as shown. If the tension in the upper string is 18 N. Calculate
the tension in the lower string?
the rotation rate (in rev/min) of the system?

Homework Equations



v=2(pi)r/T
Fr= mv^2/r
ω = v/R

The Attempt at a Solution



I believe I have the first part correct, my question is really about the second part. For the second part of the question: I calculated the x components of each tension force to find the centripetal force = 20.96N. I then found the velocity by rearranging the equation: Fr = mv^2/r to get 3.74m/s. I used the equation ω = v/R to get 9.35 rads/sec and converted it to 89.3 rpm by multiplying 9.35 by 60s and dividing it by 2(pi). Am I on the right track?? Just seems like a small answer…
 

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The upper string has to supply force for the mass to rotate and to stay afloat.
 
[strike]Don't follow the 3.74 m/s. Did you divide by 6 or (0.6 x 9.81) instead of by 0.6 kg ?[/strike]

(Edit: Jgray is fully correct)
 
Last edited:
I don't see any workings of the first part.
 
@aziz: I think the poster is happy with the result of the first part (I support him/her in that) and now asks for help in the second part.

[strike]If I fill in v = 3.74m/s in mv^2/r I do not get the 21 N...[/strike]

(Edit: Jgray is fully correct)
 
Last edited:
Hmm, maybe I do have an error in my first part then. I found the centripetal force:
T1x+T2x =
sin θ(T1) + sin θ(T2)=
sin53(18N) + sin53(8.2N) --8.2 N is the answer i found for the second tension force for part 1--
14.37+6.55
20.92N

For the velocity:
v^2= Fr(r)/m
(20.92N)(0.4m)/0.6kg=
square root of 13.95=
3.74m/s
 
Fully correct, it was me that used r=4 (from the 3,4,5 triangle) instead of the 0.4 in the exercise. Sorry.

So the 3.74 is fine too. And the 9.35 and the 89.2.
 
Thanks for the help! :)
 
:redface:
 

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