Understanding Vertical Circle Motion and Tension in Circular Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of vertical circular motion, specifically the relationship between tension, weight, and speed of an object in a vertical circle. Tension is influenced by the object's weight, its position relative to the horizontal diameter, and its speed. Above the horizontal diameter, tension decreases due to the centripetal force being provided solely by tension, while below it, tension increases as weight opposes the tension force. Additionally, the component of weight represented by mg*sin(θ) contributes to tangential acceleration, affecting the object's speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion dynamics
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Knowledge of centripetal force concepts
  • Basic physics of forces and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of speed on tension in vertical circular motion
  • Explore the role of tangential acceleration in circular motion
  • Learn about centripetal force calculations in various positions within a circle
  • Investigate real-world applications of vertical circular motion, such as roller coasters
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching circular motion concepts, and engineers involved in designing systems that incorporate vertical circular motion.

jsmith613
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This question is about circular motion in a vertical circle

Question 1:
would I be correct in assuming that the magnitude for tension is dependent on
(a) the weight of the object
(b) the position of the object with respect to the horizontal diameter of the circle

So above the 'horizontal diameter' tension is lower than below the 'horizontal diameter' because a component of weight acts towards the circle centre.
When it lies ON the circumference AT the 'horizontal diameter' ONLY tension provides the centripetal force
BELOW the 'horizontal diameter' tension increases because weight opposes the tension force

Is this all correct?

Question 2:
If you look at the free body diagram attached, mg*sin(θ) is present. What does this compoenent of weight do??

Thanks
 

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jsmith613 said:
Question 1:
would I be correct in assuming that the magnitude for tension is dependent on
(a) the weight of the object
(b) the position of the object with respect to the horizontal diameter of the circle
Yes, but also the speed of the object.

So above the 'horizontal diameter' tension is lower than below the 'horizontal diameter' because a component of weight acts towards the circle centre.
When it lies ON the circumference AT the 'horizontal diameter' ONLY tension provides the centripetal force
BELOW the 'horizontal diameter' tension increases because weight opposes the tension force

Is this all correct?
Sounds good, as long as you include the effect of speed.

Question 2:
If you look at the free body diagram attached, mg*sin(θ) is present. What does this compoenent of weight do??
It creates a tangential acceleration.
 
Doc Al said:
It creates a tangential acceleration.

in some cases mgsinθ will be in the same direction as velocity and in others it will be in the exact opposite...I presume this is the force that will cause the speed of the object to vary?
 
jsmith613 said:
in some cases mgsinθ will be in the same direction as velocity and in others it will be in the exact opposite...I presume this is the force that will cause the speed of the object to vary?
That is correct.
 
Doc Al said:
That is correct.

thanks
 

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