Newton's 2nd Law for a Particle in Uniform Circular motion

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A 4.0 kg object rotates in a horizontal circle at a constant speed of 6.00 m/s, with tensions in two strings supporting it. The net centripetal force required for this motion is calculated using F=ma, leading to the equation F_c=mv^2/r. To find the tensions in the upper and lower strings, the forces in both the x and y directions must be summed, considering the gravitational force and the components of tension. The discussion emphasizes using a free body diagram and Lami's theorem to establish equilibrium and solve for the tensions accurately, with the expected tensions being approximately 69 N for the upper string and 56.2 N for the lower string. Understanding the relationship between radial and vertical forces is crucial for solving the problem.
clintau
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1. A 4.0kg object is attached to a vertical rod by 2 strings. Object roatates in a horizontal circle at a constand speed 6.00 m/s. Find the tention in the upper and lower string. The strings are 2 meters long. the distance between the attachment points for each string is 3 meters.



2. F=ma=m(v^2/r)



3. I know that you must sum the forces in the x and y direction but can't seem to get rolling on this
 
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Yes, you must sum the forces from both strings. The sum of the forces is a net centripetal force. What does this mean it has to be equal to?

HINT: What are all centripetal forces equal to?
 
i don't know.
 
Draw a vector diagram...then split the tension into it's components.
 
Y direction
Fupper= T*cos(theta)+mg=0
Flower= T*cos(theta)-mg=0

yes no?
 
clintau said:
i don't know.

Yes, you do. You said it in your first post.

F_c=mv^2/r

So, if:

\Sigma F_{radial direction} = F_c and F_c=\frac{mv^2}{r} then...

Also,

You need to sum the radial components (x components) of the forces, since only those will contribute to the net centripetal force. To find these it would help to draw a free body diagram as clintau said. How far can you get now?
 
so Fc=4*6^2/r=109.09

That gives the force in the x direction...What about the Y?
 
how would you find the tensions in the strings?
 
\Sigma F_{vertical}=0
 
  • #10
Fcx is the T in the upper string. How do you get the T in the lower?

Tupper-mg? gives app 69N. Answer should be 56.2

what is wrong?
 
  • #11
clintau said:
Y direction
Fupper= T*cos(theta)+mg=0
Flower= T*cos(theta)-mg=0

yes no?

Instead of taking componets of tention on Y direction, take the component of mg along the tensions.
So T(upper) = T1 + mgcos(theta)
T(lower) = T2 - mgsin(theta)
Now T(upper), T(lower) and Fc are in equilibrium. Apply the Lami's theorem.
[T1 + mgcos(theta)]/sin(pi/2 + theta) = [T2 - mgsin(theta)]/sin(pi/2 + theta) = [mV^2/r]/sin(pi -2*theta).
Now solve for T1 and T2.
 
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