Circular Motion Question searching for Centripetal force

claytonwideman · Nov 30, 2015

Homework Statement

A 50 g weight is swung in a circle on the end of a 90 cm long string at the speed of 5.9 m/s, what is centripetal force? [1.9 N]

Vc = (2πr)\T

|a| = v^2/r

Fc = T-Fg (not sure if T is force of tension or period, my teacher,incorrectly,uses it as both)

Fc = T-Fg

T=2πr/v = .95845199...

Fc = T- Fg = -3.946

-3.9 ≠ 1.9 ∴ incorrect

haruspex · Nov 30, 2015

claytonwideman said:

Fc = T-Fg

What directions are T and Fg in? How do you add and subtract forces that act in different directions?