Top and bottom of a swinging object

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of an object moving in a vertical circle with non-uniform speed, specifically focusing on the tension in the string at the top and bottom of the swing. Participants are exploring the reasons behind the maximum tension at the bottom and minimum tension at the top.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between tension and gravitational force at different points in the swing, considering the role of centripetal force and energy. There is also a discussion about whether tension can be zero at certain points.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the forces at play and questioning the assumptions made about tension at various points in the swing. Some guidance has been provided regarding the direction of forces, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions related to the forces acting on the object, particularly regarding the balance between tension and gravitational force at the top and bottom of the swing.

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Homework Statement



In a vertical circle with non uniform speed, why we always say that the tension at the bottom is a maximum and the tension at the top is minimum?
Is there any mathematical method to prove it? I don't understand why we always assume in this way.


The Attempt at a Solution



could it because of energy?
 
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At the bottom the tension provides the centripetal force as usual but also must balance the gravitational force which is at that point entirely in the opposite direction to the tension force.
 
so could we say the tension is zero since both of the gravitational force and tension are in the same direction?
 
At the bottom of the swing tension is up, gravity down.
At the top, it could happen that they cancel out of the speed is just right.
 

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