Is My Calculation of Centripetal Force Correct?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of centripetal force for a rock with a mass of 3 kg attached to a spring in outer space is correctly approached using the formula Fcent = m * v^2 / r. The user calculated the speed using v = sqrt(F * r / m), substituting F = 640 N and r = 7.5 m, resulting in v = 41 m/s. The method is valid, but a minor error in calculation led to an incorrect conclusion. The correct speed should be verified by re-evaluating the arithmetic involved in the calculation.

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In outer space a rock of mass 3 kg is attached to a long spring and swung at constant speed in a circle of radius 7.5 m. The spring exerts a force of constant magnitude 640 N. What is the speed of the rock?



I thought i was doing this right...but I guess not


Fspring = Fcent.

Fcent = m* v^2/r so... v = sqrt(F*r/m)

v = sqrt(640*7.5/3 ) = 41 m/s


If anyone could tell me what I'm doing wrong, that would be a lot of help! thanks! :-)
 
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quickclick330 said:
Fcent = m* v^2/r so... v = sqrt(F*r/m)

v = sqrt(640*7.5/3 ) = 41 m/s
Your method is fine. Just redo that calculation. (You're not off by much!)
 

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