Help with conical pendulum problem

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The discussion revolves around solving a conical pendulum problem involving a 500g ball attached to a 1.0m string, moving in a horizontal circle with a 20cm radius. The key hint provided is that the vertical component of acceleration is zero due to the absence of vertical motion. The equation Tcos(theta) = mg is used to determine the tension in the string, yielding an answer of 5N. There is clarification on the orientation of forces in the free body diagram (FBD), with tension on the y-axis at 90 degrees and weight at 270 degrees. The conclusion confirms the calculations and the correct application of the physics involved.
pammy345
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Homework Statement



okay here is the problem: A conical pendulum is formed by attaching a 500g ball to a 1.0m long string, then allowing the mass to move in a horizontal circle of radius 20cm. What is the tension in the string?

Homework Equations



My professor gave a hint that said use the fact that the vertical component of acceleration is zero since there is no vertical motion.

If i use the equation Tcos(theta)=mg, i get the given answer 5N. if this is correct should my Tension force be on the y-axis at 90 degrees on my FBD and my weight force on the y-axis at 270 degrees?
 
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pammy345 said:
If i use the equation Tcos(theta)=mg, i get the given answer 5N. if this is correct should my Tension force be on the y-axis at 90 degrees on my FBD and my weight force on the y-axis at 270 degrees?
Sounds good to me :approve:
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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