How Does Centripetal Force Affect the Tension in a Whirling Rock on a String?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between centripetal force and tension in a whirling rock on a string. The tension (Ft) is analyzed through its components: the vertical component (Ft * cosX) balances gravitational force, while the horizontal component (Ft * sinX) provides the necessary centripetal force. The equation Sigma F = MAc, which translates to (M*V^2) / R, confirms that only the horizontal component of tension contributes to centripetal acceleration. The conclusion emphasizes that the vertical component of tension does not affect the centripetal force calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its role in circular motion
  • Familiarity with vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Ability to apply Newton's second law of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal acceleration formulas
  • Explore the effects of varying mass and velocity on tension in circular motion
  • Learn about the applications of centripetal force in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the role of angles in tension calculations for different circular motion setups
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of circular motion and the forces involved in tension scenarios.

rickkwa
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The situation is like this,
You're holding a string with a rock at the end of it. You hold the string above your head and whirl the string. It's going to make an angle with the vertical, so its not 90 degrees.

So if I break it into components,
Ft (tension) * cosX will be the vertical component
Ft * sinX will be the horizontal component

Sigma F = MAc
= (M*V^2) / R

Does this calculate Ft or Ft*sinX (horizontal component)?
 
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Only Ft*sinX. In the horizontal circle (draw it in, why not?), the only component of your forces is the horizontal component of tension. Assuming it is not falling or moving up, the vertical component of tension balances with gravity.
 
Totally agree with Apphysicist
 

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