Deriving a Uniform Circular Motion Equation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation for uniform circular motion: (mV^2/r)cos(θ) = mgsin(θ). Participants clarify that the equation relates to banked curves, where forces acting on an object in circular motion must be analyzed. The simplification to tan(θ)g = V^2/r is established as a key step in the derivation process. Visual aids, such as diagrams illustrating forces and angles, are recommended for better understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of uniform circular motion principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent and sine
  • Ability to interpret and create free-body diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of equations related to banked curves in circular motion
  • Learn how to apply Newton's Second Law to circular motion scenarios
  • Explore the relationship between forces and angles in physics
  • Practice drawing free-body diagrams for various motion scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in these topics.

ethanh
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Derive the following equation: (mV^2/r)cos(x) = mgsin(x)

I don't know how you would exactly derive the equation but you can simplify it to:

tan(x)mg = mV^2 /r

You can also divide by the m and get tan(x)g = V^2/r ...


Any help is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ethanh said:
Derive the following equation: (mV^2/r)cos(x) = mgsin(x)

Hi ethanh! :smile:

hmm … doesn't look right to me … :confused:

Can you show us the whole question? :smile:
 
The teacher just said to derive the equation using Circular Motion Equations,Newton's 2nd Law, etc.

The equation is:

m(V^2/r)cos(θ)=mgsin(θ)
 
The only place where I can see you deriving this from is from a banked curve question, so think about the forces acting there.
 
… draw a diagram … !

Yeah … Snazzy's right (and I was being dense). :redface:

Thanks Snazzy! :smile:

It's a horizontal circle, banked like a cycle track.

ok, draw a diagram of just one bit of the track, and draw in the two forces and the acceleration (so that's three arrows … and give each one a letter, of course), and the angle.

Do you know the values of any of these forces or acceleration (without any theta)? :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
812
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K