Conical Pendulum Homework: Find Ratio of Tangential Speeds

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of tangential speeds (V2/V1) for two conical pendulums with differing masses and lengths. The first pendulum has mass M and length L, while the second has mass 4M and length 4L, both at an angle of 33 degrees. The correct approach involves using the equation V = √[g tan(θ)/r], where r = L sin(θ). The initial miscalculation of the ratio as 1/2 was corrected to reflect that the question specifically asks for V2/V1.

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  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g)
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Homework Statement



Consider 2 conical pendulums. The first one has mass M and length L and the second has mass 4M and Length 4L. For both parts the angle theta is 33 degrees. The ratio of the tangential speeds of the two circular motions V2/V1 is?

Homework Equations



I know that tan(theta) = V^2/rg. I rearranged the equation to get V = square root of [gtan(theta)/r], where r = Lsin(theta). I keep getting the ratio 1/2, but it's wrong. Can someone please point out my mistake?

The Attempt at a Solution



Thanks!
 
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I'm guessing you found the ratio of V1/V2 to be 1/2, but the question is asking for V2/V1 :wink:
I think that's the only problem.
 
lol, thank you so much! :) You're a great help!
 
Glad I could help!
 

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