Having trouble with a centripetal force problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 2.0 kg stone being whirled in a horizontal circle at the end of a 2.1 m rope, with the stone completing 50 revolutions per minute. The question seeks to determine the centripetal force exerted by the rope on the stone.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the formula for centripetal force, m*v^2/r, and express confusion regarding the calculations. There are inquiries about the correct interpretation of the radius and the conversion of revolutions per minute to oscillations per second.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the calculations and the relationships between linear and angular velocity. Some participants offer guidance on computing the circumference and using different equations related to centripetal force. There is a mix of interpretations and approaches being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a noted confusion regarding the radius used in calculations.

jap129
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Homework Statement


A 2.0 kg stone is whirled in a horizontal circle on the end of a 2.1 m long rope. The stone travels around the circle 50 times each minute. What centripetal force is exerted by the rope on the stone?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried to work put the variables into the formula: m*v^2/r. But it didn't work. I've tried anything I could figure, and this is the only problem I have been stumped on from the last 50 problems I've done.
 
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I've tried to work put the variables into the formula: m*v^2/r. But it didn't work.

Can you show us your work? I'm fairly certain it should work...
 
jap129 said:
The stone travels around the circle 50 times each minute.

so then how many oscillations are in one second?
 
jegues said:
Can you show us your work? I'm fairly certain it should work...

50/60= 0.83

2*0.83^2/1.05 = 1.3 <That answer did not look correct to me. I probably did something wrong. But don't remember what.
 
2*0.83^2/1.05 = 1.3 <That answer did not look correct to me. I probably did something wrong. But don't remember what.

Where did you get that radius from? Isn't the rope 2.1m?
 
jegues said:
Where did you get that radius from? Isn't the rope 2.1m?

Woops. I was looking at a different problem when I wrote down the radius. So...
2*0.83^2/2.1 = 0.65
The answer is still wrong though.
 
You can compute its circumference and with it solve for a linear velocity. Then think about the relationship between linear and centripetal velocity.
 
Have you thought about the Fc=mw^2R equation? That might help.
 
Have you thought about the Fc=mw^2R equation? That might help.

I want you to solve for this equation yourself using your understanding of the relationship between linear and angular velocity.

I'd rather you understand how the equations came to be, rather than simply memorizing them.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
I believe I figured it out, the answer is 120 N. It makes sense now. Thanks for the help. :)
 

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