What is knowing the Tension Force good for?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tension force in vertical circular motion, particularly focusing on its calculation and interpretation. Participants explore the implications of varying tension at different points in a vertical circle and its effects on objects in motion, including practical considerations in real-world scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant understands how to calculate tension force at different points in a vertical circle but seeks to understand its implications for objects in motion.
  • Another participant highlights practical concerns, noting that excessive tension at the bottom can break the rope, while insufficient tension at the top can cause the rope to go slack, potentially leading to safety issues in amusement rides.
  • A later reply expresses surprise at the simplicity of the tension concept and acknowledges the clarity provided by another participant.
  • One participant questions the assumption that tension would vary in an ideal, non-extendible rope, suggesting that it should remain constant throughout the circular path, referencing other rope problems like pulley systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the behavior of tension in vertical circles. While some acknowledge the practical implications of tension variations, others contest the assumptions regarding ideal ropes and their tension characteristics, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the ideal nature of the rope and the instantaneous travel of tension waves that are not fully explored. The discussion also reflects differing interpretations of tension behavior in practical versus theoretical contexts.

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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