Vertical Circle Motion: Acceleration at Top vs. Bottom

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the centripetal acceleration of a ball in vertical circular motion, specifically comparing the top and bottom of the circle. At the top, the centripetal acceleration is given as 13g, leading to the equation T + mg = mv^2/R. The participant inquires whether the tension at the top and bottom of the circle is the same, prompting a hint to use conservation of energy to relate the velocities at both points. After applying the conservation of energy principle, they determine the centripetal acceleration at the bottom to be 17g. The conversation concludes with confirmation of the calculations and the final answer.
ethex
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A ball of mass m is suspended from a rope of length R. The ball is set into freely swinging circular motion a vertical plane. The centripetal acceleration of the ball at the top of the circle is 13g. What is the centripetal acceleration of the ball at the bottom of the circle.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



At the top,

T + mg = mv^2/R


At the bottom, T - mg = mv^2/R

My question is does Ttop and Tbtm the same?

Hint for this question?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Using conservation of energy principle helps you get v(top) in terms of v(bottom) and you may deduce whether the tensions are equal.
 
Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf

0 + 0.5mVbtm^2 = 2mgR + 0.5mVtop^2

Right?
 
Yes. Continue.
 
I got 17g!
 
Now you know what the answer to your question.
 
Yes! thank you.!
 
Back
Top