Why Is Tension at the Lowest Point of a Vertical Circle Significantly Higher?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving that the tension in the rope at the lowest point of a vertical circle is six times greater than at the highest point. Key equations include potential energy, kinetic energy, and radial force, with emphasis on the differences in velocity and forces at the top and bottom of the circle. The tension at the lowest point must account for both the stone's weight and the required centripetal force, while the tension at the highest point only needs to counteract the stone's weight. Participants clarify that the problem requires understanding the difference in forces rather than just the ratio of radial forces. Ultimately, the solution hinges on correctly applying the concepts of energy and force dynamics in circular motion.
Karol
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Homework Statement


A stone tied to a rope rotates in a vertical circle. prove that the tension in the rope at the lowest point is 6 times the stone's weight bigger than at the highest point.

Homework Equations


Potential energy: E_P=mgh
Kinetic energy: E_K=\frac{1}{2}mV^2
Radial force: F_R=m\frac{V^2}{R}

The Attempt at a Solution


V0 is the velocity at the top and V2 is at the bottom and R is the radius.
\frac{1}{2}mV_0^2=\frac{1}{2}mV_2^2-2Rmg \rightarrow V_2^2=V_0^2+4gR
The ratio of radial forces at the bottom and at the top:
\frac{F_B}{F_T}=\frac{\frac{V_B^2}{R}}{\frac{V_T^2}{R}}=\frac{V_B^2}{V_T^2}=\frac{V_0^2+4gR}{V_0^2}=1+\frac{4gR}{V_0^2}
First it includes V0 and R, it's not fixed, and secondly it doesn't even come close to the form.
Of course i have to deduce, at the upper point, the weight of the stone from the radial force and add it at the lowest point, but my solution doesn't even come close.
 
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You are asked to consider the difference in the two forces, not the ratio.
Also, don't forget the force of gravity on the stone. How will that affect the two tensions?
 
You calculated the ratio between the radial forces. You want the ratio between the tensions. Not the same thing.
 
dauto said:
You want the ratio between the tensions.
No, Karol does not want the ratio of the tensions. The question refers to the ratio between the stone's weight and the difference between the tensions.
 
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