What Angle Does the Block Hang at When the Van Rounds a Curve?

[livblue23]

Homework Statement

A block is hung by a string from ther inside roof of a van. When the van goes straight ahead, at a speed of 28 m/s, the block hangs vertically down. But when the van rounds a curve, the block swings toward the outside of the curve, making an angle with its previous position. Determine the angle at which this block hangs.

Homework Equations

Fx=ms, FTx=ma, Fy=may, Fty=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

okay, so i know that i use FW=mg and a=v2/r to find the two numbers that i will eventually use to find the inverse tangent of the angle... but how do i get the mass for FW=mg, how would i find the mass so i can finish this problem.

 

[LowlyPion]

Homework Statement

A block is hung by a string from ther inside roof of a van. When the van goes straight ahead, at a speed of 28 m/s, the block hangs vertically down. But when the van rounds a curve, the block swings toward the outside of the curve, making an angle with its previous position. Determine the angle at which this block hangs.

Homework Equations

Fx=ms, FTx=ma, Fy=may, Fty=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

okay, so i know that i use FW=mg and a=v2/r to find the two numbers that i will eventually use to find the inverse tangent of the angle... but how do i get the mass for FW=mg, how would i find the mass so i can finish this problem.

Maybe approach it a little more simply and treat the accelerations acting on the block as a vector addition problem?