Solving Speed of Train on Curve of Radius 235m

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a train moving at a constant speed while navigating a curve with a radius of 235 meters. A chandelier's angle of 17.5° during the turn is also a key aspect of the scenario, prompting questions about its relevance to the train's speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the significance of the 17.5° angle and its relationship to the train's motion. They express uncertainty about how to apply trigonometric functions and question the role of time in their calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the original poster's confusion, with one suggesting the use of a free body diagram to analyze the forces acting on the chandelier. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the relationship between tension and time in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a deadline, indicating time constraints that may affect their approach to the problem. There is also a sense of urgency expressed in the discussion.

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Homework Statement



A train traveling at a constant speed rounds a curve of radius 235 m. A chandelier suspended from the ceiling swings out to an angle of 17.5° throughout the turn. What is the speed of the train?

Homework Equations



a=v^2/r
use of cosine and sine

v=2x3.14xr/T

The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure what 17.5 degrees tells me about the problem, except its continuing along straight while the train turns. I tried to draw but it really doesn't make much sense to me. Also, even if I did compute using cosine and sine, what would that tell me about the problem except distance? And, I can't find acceleration, velocity, or period without time.
Any thoughts?
 
Last edited:
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Consider the forces on the chandelier (draw a free body diagram). You will have the tension of the string, and gravity.
 
I did that and I guess I can derive T from the triangle, but since T is a unit of time, I would have to cancel the time from both sides. Where is the unit of time in my free body diagram?
 
Somebody please help I have to get this done by a deadline!
 
slkdfjklsdkfjjjj!
 

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