Rotational Motion of a toy airplane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the rotational motion of a toy airplane attached to a string, with specific parameters including a tension of 6.5 N and an angle of 50°. The angular velocity was calculated to be 5.28 m/s using the formula ω = 2π/period, where the period is 1.19 seconds per revolution. The mass of the airplane was determined to be 0.42 kg through Newton's second law, relating the gravitational force to the y-component of the tension force. The main challenge remains in calculating the length of the string, which requires finding the radius of the circular motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
  • Familiarity with angular velocity and tangential velocity concepts
  • Knowledge of centripetal force and acceleration
  • Ability to interpret forces in circular motion
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  • Learn how to calculate the radius of circular motion using centripetal force equations
  • Study the relationship between angular velocity and linear velocity in rotational dynamics
  • Explore the concept of tension in strings under angular motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying angles on the forces acting on rotating objects
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SChiO
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Homework Statement



We were given a video...I'm not sure if you can post video links otherwise I would...but it's a video of an airplane on a string flying in a circular motion. On the top of the string you can see that the tension of the string is 6.5N. and it is flying at an angle of 50°. We are told to find the angular velocity, mass of plane and length of string.


The Attempt at a Solution



Using ω=2pi(period) I found it to be 5.28 m/s with a period of 1.19s/rev
Using Newton's 2nd law and knowing that the force of gravity is equal to the y-component of the tension force I found the mass to be equal to .42 kg.
However I am stuck on finding the length of the string...I have an idea that I need to find the radius of the circle and then from there I know I can find the length of the string but I'm not sure how to find the radius. I'm thinking to use this equation: v=rω but I'm not sure how to find the linear velocity or if that's even right...HELP PLEASE! I'll see if I can post the video for ease...Thanks
 
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SChiO said:

Homework Statement



We were given a video...I'm not sure if you can post video links otherwise I would...but it's a video of an airplane on a string flying in a circular motion. On the top of the string you can see that the tension of the string is 6.5N. and it is flying at an angle of 50°. We are told to find the angular velocity, mass of plane and length of string.
You can post links to a video - but it is best to give a written description anyway.
Is that 50deg angle to the horizontal or the vertical?
Using ω=2pi(period) I found it to be 5.28 m/s with a period of 1.19s/rev
Just a note - the units of ##\omega## is radiens per second. Since you were "given the angular velocity" I'm guessing you mean that the tangential velocity was 5.28m/s.
"Period" is usually just given in seconds.

Using Newton's 2nd law and knowing that the force of gravity is equal to the y-component of the tension force I found the mass to be equal to .42 kg.

However I am stuck on finding the length of the string...I have an idea that I need to find the radius of the circle and then from there I know I can find the length of the string but I'm not sure how to find the radius.
Hint: centripetal force and acceleration.
 

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