Deriving a Uniform Circular Motion Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving an equation related to uniform circular motion, specifically the equation (mV^2/r)cos(x) = mgsin(x). Participants are exploring the context of circular motion and the forces involved, particularly in scenarios like banked curves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to simplify the equation and relate it to concepts from circular motion and Newton's laws. Questions about the completeness of the problem statement and the need for additional context are raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on visualizing the problem through diagrams and considering the forces acting on an object in circular motion. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the scenario further, particularly regarding the setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a banked curve scenario, which suggests specific assumptions about the forces and angles involved. The original poster has not provided all details of the problem, which may impact the discussion.

ethanh
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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.
 
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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:
 

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