Slightly confused regarding centripetal force, radius and frequency

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between centripetal force, radius, and frequency in circular motion. It establishes that as the frequency of rotation increases, the radius decreases, demonstrating an inverse proportionality. Consequently, the centripetal acceleration, which is directly proportional to the radius, also decreases, leading to a reduction in centripetal force. The relevant equations discussed include F_c = m*a and r = v/(2πf).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its formula F_c = m*a
  • Knowledge of circular motion concepts and equations
  • Familiarity with angular frequency and its relationship to linear velocity
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of varying mass on centripetal force using F_c = m*a
  • Explore the concept of angular velocity and its calculation
  • Learn about the practical applications of centripetal force in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the dynamics of circular motion experiments, such as those using rubber stoppers and fishing lines
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching circular motion concepts, and anyone conducting experiments related to centripetal force and rotational dynamics.

chris_0101
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Homework Statement


Hello everybody,

I have a question that is tied into my lab report regarding centripetal force. The question asks if the frequency of rotation were to increase how would the radius r and the centripetal force change?


Homework Equations



2\pif = v/r

rearrange for r:

r = v/(2\pif)

a = r(ω^2)

F_c = m*a

The Attempt at a Solution



By observing the formula rearranged for r, I believe that the radius is inversely proportional to frequency - so in this case as frequency increases, the radius will decreases.
Is this statement correct?

Since acceleration is dependent on radius and if the radius decreases so does the acceleration due to the direct proportionality between acceleration and radius. This ultimately means that the centripetal force is decreased as well when the frequency is increased
Is this statement also correct?

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
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chris_0101 said:

Homework Statement


Hello everybody,

I have a question that is tied into my lab report regarding centripetal force. The question asks if the frequency of rotation were to increase how would the radius r and the centripetal force change?


Homework Equations



2\pif = v/r

rearrange for r:

r = v/(2\pif)

a = r(ω^2)

F_c = m*a

The Attempt at a Solution



By observing the formula rearranged for r, I believe that the radius is inversely proportional to frequency - so in this case as frequency increases, the radius will decreases.
Is this statement correct?

Since acceleration is dependent on radius and if the radius decreases so does the acceleration due to the direct proportionality between acceleration and radius. This ultimately means that the centripetal force is decreased as well when the frequency is increased
Is this statement also correct?

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

How is this circular motion being achieved? - what is going in a circle.

The question can be easily interpreted if it is a satellite around the Earth.

Is this the standard prac where you rotate a rubber stopper on a fishing line with a bunch of washers hanging from the fishing line?
 
I should have been more specific. Circular motion is achieved by an object spinning around an axis.
 
chris_0101 said:
I should have been more specific. Circular motion is achieved by an object spinning around an axis.

how is it attached to the axis? What is the object? What is it made of?
 

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