Quantitative centripetal force apparatus-free body diagram

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on drawing the free body diagram of a mass attached to a spring during rotation and understanding the role of a counter mass in a centripetal force apparatus. Key forces identified include gravitational force (mg) acting downward, tension force directed towards the spring, and an additional tension force from the string. The counter mass is essential for balancing the system, preventing the stand from tipping over due to excessive centripetal force during rapid rotation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of free body diagrams in physics
  • Knowledge of centripetal force and acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with tension forces in mechanical systems
  • Basic principles of rotational motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of free body diagrams in rotational dynamics
  • Learn about centripetal force calculations and applications
  • Explore the effects of tension in systems with multiple masses
  • Investigate the role of counterweights in mechanical stability
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of rotational systems and force diagrams.

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hi there i was looking at this video on utube and have two questions regarding it.


at 1:02. the person starts to rotate the apparatus. my first question is that HOW CAN U DRAW THE FREE BODY DIAGRAM OF THE MASS ATTACH TO THE SPRING while its rotating?
i know there is the mg downward from the mass. there is the tension force pointing towards the spring and another tension force up in the string the mass is attach to. am i missing anything?

an other question is that what is the purpose of the counter mass?

thanks in advance

cheers

p.S this is NOT a homework question
 
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The counter mass balances the other mass... if you only had one, the centripetal force would pull the stand over if you went too fast.

Draw the free body diagram of it at one instant in time - basically the stand, spring and mass. You only need to draw the forces on it, not the actual rotation. Centripetal acceleration always points inwards, so its not changing in that sense.
 

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