Help with physics tension in the string

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a ball on a string being swung in a vertical circle. The scenario describes the tension in the string at the bottom of the circle and the subsequent cutting of the string, prompting questions about the ball's motion after the cut.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between tension, velocity, and the motion of the ball after the string is cut. There are attempts to clarify the specific question being addressed, with some suggesting the need to compute the initial velocity of the ball using circular motion equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various interpretations of the problem and suggesting different approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of free body diagrams and parabolic motion analysis, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of a clear question initially posed by the original poster, which has led to some confusion. There are also indications of multiple interpretations regarding the final position of the ball after the string is cut.

phillip98
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Homework Statement


A 180 g ball on a 60-cm-long string is swung in a vertical circle about a point 200 cm above the floor. The tension in the string when the ball is at the very bottom of the circle is 5.6 N. At the very bottom of the circle, a very sharp knife is suddenly inserted, as shown in the figure View Figure , to cut the string directly below the point of support.



Homework Equations


V=sqrt(a R)
a=(F-W)/m = (F - mg)/m=F/m -g


The Attempt at a Solution


R=.6m

For a free fall
t=sqrt(2h/g)
S=Vt=
S=sqrt(a R) sqrt(2h/g)
S=sqrt(a R 2h/g)
S=sqrt(2[F/m -g] R h /g)
S=sqrt(2 [ 5.6N/ .180 - 9.81] 0.6 x 0.200 /9.81)
S=0.72m

I keep getting this answer. I'm unsure of what I'm doing wrong.
 
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What exactly are you solving for? There's no question.
 
I can only guess, but is the question "how far does the ball travel before it hits the floor"? If so you haven't used the tension correctly to compute the initial velocity of the ball. You need to use an equation for circular motion like a=v^2/r and relate that to the tension.
 
sorry lol

How far to the right of where the string was cut does the ball hit the floor?
 
Hi Dick, I've tried it that way. I keep getting 2.3. Which seems to be wrong as well.
 
Free body diagram, you have a force of tension and a force due to gravity. You can relate this to the velocity, and this velocity will be in the x-direction. From there, use parabolic motion analysis.
 
Show Snazzy how you got the initial x velocity using v^2/r and a free body diagram. Because it's the right thing to do. Don't wait for me, I'm going zzzzzzzz.
 

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