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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stone tied to a rope rotating in a vertical circle, specifically focusing on the tension in the rope at the lowest point compared to the highest point. The original poster attempts to prove that the tension at the lowest point is significantly higher than at the highest point, using principles of energy and radial forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations related to the velocities at different points in the circle and the forces acting on the stone. There are attempts to clarify the difference between radial forces and tensions, as well as the role of gravitational force in these calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on focusing on the correct relationships between forces and tensions. There is a recognition of the need to differentiate between the forces involved and the specific question regarding tension ratios.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's approach may not align with the question's requirements, emphasizing the importance of considering gravitational effects and the correct interpretation of the problem's parameters.

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

The Attempt at a Solution


V0 is the velocity at the top and V2 is at the bottom and R is the radius.
[tex]\frac{1}{2}mV_0^2=\frac{1}{2}mV_2^2-2Rmg \rightarrow V_2^2=V_0^2+4gR[/tex]
The ratio of radial forces at the bottom and at the top:
[tex]\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}[/tex]
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.
 
Last edited:
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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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