Understanding the Centripetal Force of Whirling a Mass on a String

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the centripetal force experienced when whirling a mass on a string in a horizontal circle at varying speeds. When the speed is doubled, the force exerted on the mass increases by a factor of four, as established by the equation for centripetal force, which states that force is proportional to the square of the velocity. Additionally, the need for a free-body diagram is highlighted to analyze the forces acting on the mass effectively. The string is assumed to be perfectly horizontal for the sake of this discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Centripetal force concepts
  • Newton's second law of motion
  • Free-body diagram analysis
  • Basic physics of circular motion
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  • Learn how to create and interpret free-body diagrams
  • Explore the effects of varying mass and speed on centripetal force
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sokenneth1980
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Don't know if it is a homework question or not but it was a friend asking me and I feel ashamed because I am engineer but I don't know.

When whirling a supplied mass on a string in a horizontal circle with constant speed. Assume that the mass of the string is negligible compared to the mass of the object you are whirling. If you whirl the mass at a larger constant speed, you can feel a change in the force exerted on your hand by the string. If you whirl the mass at twice the initial speed, how does the forced exerted on the mass compare to the original force? And is the string perfectly horizontal?

It's my first time using the forum, so if it is determined that the above is a homework question, then please let me know and I will post it over there. I just don't know the equations involved.

Thanks.
 
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Four times, I think.

ac8cadb8a51a0e53c5b1db26147639a4.png
 
Welcome to PF;
And is the string perfectly horizontal?
... this one needs a free-body diagram. The equation is: ##\sum \vec{F} = m\vec{a}##
 

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