# Tension in a pendulum

A 1.95 kg ball is attached to the bottom end of a length of 11.0 lb (48.9 N) fishing line. The top end of the fishing line is held stationary. The ball is released from rest while the line is taut and horizontal At what angle (measured from the vertical) will the fish line break?

I've got the equation $$T = mg(3-2cos\theta)$$ but when I solve that for $$\theta$$ with T = 48.9, it says it's wrong. any thoughts?

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finlejb said:
I've got the equation $$T = mg(3-2cos\theta)$$
Show how you arrived at that equation.

Andrew Mason
Homework Helper
finlejb said:
A 1.95 kg ball is attached to the bottom end of a length of 11.0 lb (48.9 N) fishing line. The top end of the fishing line is held stationary. The ball is released from rest while the line is taut and horizontal At what angle (measured from the vertical) will the fish line break?

I've got the equation $$T = mg(3-2cos\theta)$$ but when I solve that for $$\theta$$ with T = 48.9, it says it's wrong. any thoughts?
What is the acceleration of the ball as it moves in this path? What does it depend on? What provides this acceleration? Hint: it is not just gravity that provides the acceleration here.

AM

Andrew, I don't see any other source of acceleration. Explain.

Andrew Mason