Does the Radius Affect Centripetal Force?

Thread starter mani88
Start date Nov 13, 2019
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Centripetal Centripetal force Force Radius

AI Thread Summary

Centripetal force is inversely proportional to the radius, indicating that as the radius increases, the centripetal force decreases, depending on whether linear or angular speed is held constant. The context of the problem is crucial in determining the relationship between radius and centripetal force. A free body diagram can help visualize the forces acting on the object and clarify the equations involved. Understanding these dynamics is essential for accurately analyzing centripetal motion. This discussion emphasizes the importance of context in physics problems related to centripetal force.

Nov 13, 2019

mani88

Homework Statement: I'm investigating the effect of radius on centripetal force using a conical pendulum. If the length of the string and the mass is kept constant and I increase the orbital radius (assuming force is also kept constant) would the period of the conical pendulum increase or decrease???

Relevant Equations: F=mv^2/r or
F=m4pi^2r/T^2

Well i think centripetal force is inversely proportional to the radius, so I'm guessing it would decrease but not sure to be honest.

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Nov 13, 2019

haruspex

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mani88 said:

think centripetal force is inversely proportional to the radius

In general, that depends what is held constant, linear speed or angular speed.
Which of those applies in this context? Or maybe something else?

Draw a free body diagram of the forces on the bob and write the corresponding equations.

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