String tension with an attached whirling mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum speed of a 0.40 kg mass attached to a 0.75 m string, which can withstand a maximum tension of 450 N. The key equations involved are centripetal acceleration, defined as a_{centripetal} = v²/r and a_{centripetal} = ω²r. The tension in the string directly relates to the centripetal force required to maintain circular motion, allowing for the determination of maximum speed without breaking the string.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration and its formulas
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law (F = m*a)
  • Knowledge of angular motion concepts, including angular velocity (ω)
  • Basic grasp of tension forces in circular motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate maximum speed using the formula v = √(T*r/m)
  • Explore the relationship between tension and centripetal force in circular motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and radius on maximum speed
  • Learn about angular momentum and its conservation in rotational systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone studying mechanics, particularly those interested in circular motion and forces acting on rotating bodies.

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Homework Statement


A 0.40 kg mass, attached to the end of a .75 m string, is whirled around in a circular horizontal path. If the maximum tension that the string can withstand is 450 N, then what maximum speed can the mass have if the string is not to break?


Homework Equations


F=m*a
T=r*F*sin(theta)
v=r*omega

The Attempt at a Solution


I have absolutely no idea where to even begin with this. My idea was to find the acceleration when the force is 450 N, but that yields the linear acceleration not the angular one which does nothing for me. I am stumped.
 
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Well even with the object being swung around at a constant (angular) speed you will still have a force. Because the direction of the velocity vector is changing, and acceleration is change in velocity. So you are looking for the acceleration inward, which is the centripetal acceleration, the force vector would be pointing from the object toward the center of the circle as it spins.

So the equations you are missing are:
[tex]a_{centripetal}=\frac{v^{2}}{r}[/tex]
OR equivalently:
[tex]a_{centripetal}=\omega^{2}r[/tex]
 

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