Problem involving centripetal force of a circle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating various physical properties of a ball swung in a circular motion, including speed, acceleration, centripetal force, and the mass of the central object. The ball has a mass of 0.75 kg, a radius of 1.5 m, and a period of 1.5 s, resulting in a speed of 6.28 m/s and a centripetal acceleration of 26.3 m/s². The centripetal force required to maintain the ball's circular path is 19.7 N. The tension in the cord, which provides the centripetal force, must also counteract the gravitational force acting on the ball.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its calculations
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions for angle calculations
  • Ability to apply Pythagorean theorem in physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal force equations
  • Learn how to apply trigonometry in physics, particularly for angles in circular motion
  • Explore the relationship between tension and gravitational force in circular motion scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and radius on centripetal force
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators seeking to explain centripetal force concepts in practical applications.

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Homework Statement



Here is a diagram:
http://i55.tinypic.com/k18g14.jpg

A ball of mass 0.75 kg on the end of a cord is swung in a circle of radius 1.5 m with a period of 1.5 s as shown in the diagram.

a.) What is the speed of the ball?

b.) What is the acceleration of the ball?

c.) What centripetal force must be exerted by the cord to keep the ball in orbit?

d.) What is the mass of the central object? (Hint: Use Pythagoras' theorem to calculate the force of tension in the string.)

e.) What angle does the cord make with the vertical?

f.) How long is the cord, L?

Homework Equations



Velocity = 2(pie)r / T (T = period in seconds)

Acceleration centripetal = v^2 / r
Force centripetal = mv^2 / r

The Attempt at a Solution



I know all parts except for d, e and fa.) velocity of ball is 6.28 m/s

b.) centripetal acceleration of ball is 26.3 m/s^2

c.) centripetal force of ball is 19.7 N

d.) ??

e.) ?

f.) ?

Thanks
 
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The force of gravity on the hanging central weight provides the tension force in the string to the ball. This includes both the centripetal force and the upward force necessary to counteract gravity on the ball.
spinning.jpg

The ball is not accelerating vertically, so the upward component of T equals the mg down. The tension in the string and thus the weight of the hanging weight can be calculated from the known mg and Fc. Careful with the angle - question asks for angle with vertical, so likely something larger than 45 degrees.
 

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