Circular Motion with Tension and Finding Angle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angle θ for a mass in circular motion, specifically a 0.020-kg mass attached to a 1.2-m string with a tension of 0.200 N. The participant initially calculated θ to be 11.2 degrees but later acknowledged potential discrepancies due to the angle's reference point and variations in gravitational acceleration (g). The conversation highlights the importance of specifying whether the angle is measured from vertical or horizontal, and it suggests that the answer may vary based on the value of g used, with a reference to an expected answer of 24.6 degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion dynamics
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions in physics
  • Basic principles of tension and gravitational forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of centripetal acceleration in circular motion
  • Learn how to apply free body diagrams to solve for unknown angles
  • Study the effects of varying gravitational acceleration on tension calculations
  • Explore the differences between measuring angles from vertical versus horizontal
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to tension and angles in dynamic systems.

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Homework Statement


A 0.020-kg mass is attached to a 1.2-m string and moves in a horizontal circle with a constant speed. The tension in the string is measured at 0.200 N. What is the measure of angle θ?

Homework Equations


∑F=ma, a=v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I broke down the forces at work, being T (tension) and W (weight). I made a free body diagram, then drew a graph. I came up with the x components as -Tsinθ=ma, and y components as Tcosθ-W=0. After plugging in for T and m*g (from W) in the y component equation, I came up with θ=11.2, but this is not correct.

FullSizeRender(2).jpg
 
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The question as posted does not indicate whether the angle is to be measured from vertical or from horizontal. I assume there is some diagram which makes it clear it is to the vertical.
I agree with your answer in degrees. Are you sure the question does not want the answer in radians?
 
Haruspex,
Thank you for your response. Here is the image associated with the problem.
FullSizeRender(3).jpg
 
Then I see only four possibilities:
- you were expected to use a slightly different value of g; the answer will be somewhat sensitive to this, .980 giving 11.5 degrees e.g.
- for the same reason, you should only specify two sig figs.
- the answer should be in radians
- the book is wrong (maybe in the question statement)
 
Haruspex, thank you. I'll have to do some digging, but it gives the answer as 24.6 degrees. So I'll try to get to the bottom of it. Thanks again!
 

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