Tension in a Pendulum String - Oh my

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a pendulum string when the mass is released at an angle of 25°. The initial calculation suggested a tension of 0.32 N, but further analysis indicated that the correct tension should be 0.27 N, derived from the equation T = mgsin(65). Participants clarified that while centripetal force is zero at the extreme position, this does not mean tension is zero; rather, the net radial force must balance. Ultimately, the correct approach confirms that the tension in the string is indeed 0.27 N at the release point.
Engineering101
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So I have one attempt left and want to make sure my answer is correct, so double checking me would be super awesome!

You are given a pendulum composed of a 0.030 kg mass on the end of a 0.42 m long massless string. The pendulum is moved 25° from the vertical and released. Find the tension in the string when the mass is at the release point,
θ = 25°.

Tsin(65)-mg=0
Tsin(65)=mg
T=.32 N

This is one solution I came up with.

The other option I am unsure of is if the T force would be 0 because "there is no net force directed along the axis that is perpendicular to the motion. Since the motion of the object is momentarily paused, there is no need for a centripetal force." -http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/u10l0c.cfm

Thanks for the guidance.
 
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The centripetal force is indeed zero in the extreme position. However this does not imply T=0.
The net force along the radial direction should be zero. And this net force includes gravity's contribution as well.

The first "option" is not good because the body's acceleration along the vertical direction is not zero.
 
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Likes harmyder
So,
Fradial= -T + mgsin(65)
T=mgsin(65)
T=.27 N
 
So I have one attempt left and want to make sure my answer is correct, so double checking me would be super awesome!

You are given a pendulum composed of a 0.030 kg mass on the end of a 0.42 m long massless string. The pendulum is moved 25° from the vertical and released. Find the tension in the string when the mass is at the release point,
θ = 25°.


"The centripetal force is indeed zero in the extreme position. However this does not imply T=0.
The net force along the radial direction should be zero. And this net force includes gravity's contribution as well."--nasu




So,
Fradial= -T + mgsin(65)
T=mgsin(65)
T=.27 N
 
Engineering101 said:
So I have one attempt left and want to make sure my answer is correct, so double checking me would be super awesome!

You are given a pendulum composed of a 0.030 kg mass on the end of a 0.42 m long massless string. The pendulum is moved 25° from the vertical and released. Find the tension in the string when the mass is at the release point,
θ = 25°.


"The centripetal force is indeed zero in the extreme position. However this does not imply T=0.
The net force along the radial direction should be zero. And this net force includes gravity's contribution as well."--nasu




So,
Fradial= -T + mgsin(65)
T=mgsin(65)
T=.27 N

It is correct.

ehild
 
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