Circular Motion with Tension and Finding Angle

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mass attached to a string moving in a horizontal circle, with a focus on determining the angle θ based on the tension in the string and the weight of the mass. The subject area pertains to circular motion and forces acting on the mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the breakdown of forces and the use of free body diagrams. There is a question about the measurement of the angle, whether it should be from vertical or horizontal. Some participants suggest that the answer may depend on the value of gravitational acceleration used or the number of significant figures.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the assumptions made regarding the angle and the values used in calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding potential sources of error, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a diagram associated with the problem, which may clarify the angle's measurement. Additionally, the original poster refers to a discrepancy between their calculated angle and a provided answer from a source.

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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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