What is knowing the Tension Force good for?

AI Thread Summary
Calculating tension force in vertical circles reveals that tension is greater at the bottom than at the top, impacting the object's motion. Understanding this difference is crucial for ensuring safety in scenarios like amusement rides, where excessive tension can break the rope and insufficient tension can cause it to go slack. The discussion also touches on the theoretical implications of an ideal, non-extendable rope, suggesting that tension might remain constant throughout if certain assumptions hold true. Clarifying these concepts helps in grasping the dynamics of vertical circular motion. Overall, interpreting tension calculations is essential for practical applications and safety considerations.
solarmidnightrose
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So, I'm working on calculating the tension force in vertical circles-and I understand how to calculate the tension force at different points in the vertical circle (via vector sums).

But what I don't really understand is how to interpret this information.

What can I further do with these tension calculations I have made?

I know that the tension force is greater at the bottom compared to at the top of the circle-but how does knowing this further explain things (e.g. the effect it has on the object in vertical circular motion?)

Thank you for you time :)
 
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-1- Too much tension at the bottom of the arc breaks the rope -- bad

-2- Too little tension at the top of the arc let's the rope go slack, and people fall out of the amusement ride -- bad

:smile:
 
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berkeman said:
-1- Too much tension at the bottom of the arc breaks the rope -- bad

-2- Too little tension at the top of the arc let's the rope go slack, and people fall out of the amusement ride -- bad

:smile:
Wow. I can't believe it was this simple!
I feel soo... stupid.

Thank you @berkeman for clearing this up for me-it was a real eye-opener :)
 
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solarmidnightrose said:
Summary: This is in context to vertical circles

I know that the tension force is greater at the bottom compared to at the top of the circle
I'm having a problem with that statement if the rope is ideal and not extendible. Wouldn't the tension have to be the same all the way round (assuming that a longitudinal tension wave travels instantly) - the sort of assumption that's used in other rope problems - e.g. pulley systems.
@berkeman 's right about the top section sagging but I don't think a break would happen anywhere in particular for an ideal rope.
 

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