What is the maximum speed an object can have without breaking a hanging string?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a light string supporting a hanging load while a smaller object rotates in a circle on a horizontal table. The objective is to determine the maximum speed of the rotating object before the string breaks, given the weight it can support.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the object, including tension and centripetal force, and how to relate these to the maximum speed before the string breaks. There are attempts to set up equations based on force balance and to clarify the role of tension in the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationships between forces and have attempted calculations. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the correct interpretation of tension and its relationship to the mass supported by the string. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a specific focus on the forces involved and their implications for the problem at hand.

Husker70
Messages
89
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A light string can support a stationary hanging load of 25.0kg before breaking. A 3.00kg
object attached to the string rotates on a horizontal table in a circle of radius .800m, and
the other end of the string is held fixed. What range of speed can the object have before
the string breaks?


Homework Equations


I have drawn a diagram and put these forces together.


The Attempt at a Solution


Sum of Forces in X=n and -mg
Sum of forces in Y= T and C sin theata

I know that the X canels out Fx = N-mg = 0
I get Y forces to be T + C sin theata = v^2/r

Am I starting this correct. Something doesn't seem right here.
Thanks,
Kevin
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The only force acting in the direction of the string would be the centripetal force, which is dependent on the velocity. Find the velocity which would cause the string to break. The maximum force for the string can be found with the known property that hanging 25kg will break it.
 
I do know that the forces in the x direction are centripetal Acceleration and tension
but I'm not sure how to put the equation together. F=ma
So does the Tension = m(v^2/r

Thanks,
Kevin
 
I get the force to be T=m(v^2/r)
So v = sqrt Tr/M
I get 2.58 m/s but the book says 8.08 m/s?

Not sure what I'm doing wrong
Thanks,
Kevin
 
I got it duh! I keep thinking that 25.0kg was the tension. But Tension is F=ma
F = (25.0kg)(9/8m/s2) = 245 N
That is the tension force.

Kevin
 
In this case...you know what to do from here on?
 
Thanks for looking Gear 300. I got it. Just one more to go to finish my homework.
It could be a rough one.

Kevin
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
9K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K