Understanding Vertical Circle Motion and Tension in Circular Motion

[jsmith613]

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

 

[Doc Al]

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.

 

[jsmith613]

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?

 

[Doc Al]

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.

 

[jsmith613]

That is correct.

thanks