Net Force at the Bottom of Circular Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an object being swung vertically on a stick, specifically focusing on determining the net force at the bottom of the circular motion. The subject area relates to dynamics and circular motion, with considerations of gravitational and centripetal forces.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether the force of gravity should be added to the centripetal force to find the net force. There are differing opinions on whether the net force is solely the centripetal force or if it includes gravitational effects.

Discussion Status

The discussion reflects a variety of interpretations regarding the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal force. Some participants suggest that both forces contribute to the net force, while others argue that the net force is defined differently in this context. Guidance has been offered, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of forces acting on the object, including tension, gravity, and centripetal force, while also addressing the implications of these forces in the context of circular motion. There is an ongoing debate about the correct formulation of the net force in this scenario.

marvolo1300
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Homework Statement


An object is being swung vertically on a stick. What is the net force at the bottom?

The mass of the object = 2kg.
g= 9.81ms-1.
v = 6ms-1 at the bottom.



Homework Equations


F= mg
Fcentripetal = (m*v^2)/r


The Attempt at a Solution


I just need to know if i must add the force of gravity to the centripetal force.


Thank you.
 
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Thanks anyways. I solved it.

For anyone that is looking for an answer:

Yes, you must add the centripetal force to the force of gravity. This is because the centripetal force in this example is found through the velocity, rather than through the acceleration due to gravity.
 
But the net force at the bottom IS the centripetal force, mv^2/r. You don't add anything to it to get the net force, which is what the problem seems to be asking.
 
Thank you PhantomJay.

The centripetal force in this problem is provided by the tension of the string and also the force of gravity.

So, Fnet = m*g + (m*v^2)/r
 
marvolo1300 said:
Thank you PhantomJay.

The centripetal force in this problem is provided by the tension of the string and also the force of gravity.
yes, correct
So, Fnet = m*g + (m*v^2)/r
No, that is not correct. Fnet = mv^2/r

The gravity force acts down, and the tension in the wood stick acts up. And the centripetal force acts up toward the center of the circle.

Shoudn't it be

[itex]F_{net} = T - mg = mv^2/r[/itex] ?
 

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