Force that Maintains Circular Motion

In summary, the problem involves a string with a length of 4.23 m that can support a weight of 25 g. When a weight is added and the string is spun horizontally above the head, it breaks upon reaching a tangential velocity of 5.1 m/s. The equations involved are angular displacement, centripetal force, and tangential velocity. The solution involves using the equation a = v^2/r to find the acceleration, then relating the opposing forces of tension and weight using Newton's second law. The mass of the weight can then be solved for.
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Homework Statement



A string with the length of 4.23 m can support a weight of 25 g. If you add a weight and spin the string horizontally above your head, it breaks upon reaching a tangential velocity of 5.1 m/s. What is the mass of the weight?

so... radius=4.23m, V(t)=5.1 m/s, and mass=unknown

Homework Equations



Angular Displacement = (arc length) / (radius)
Centripetal Force = (mass)(tangential velocity)(tangential velocity) / (radius)
Centripetal Force= (mass)(radius)(angular speed)(angular speed)
Tangential Velocity=(angular speed)(radius)

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not quite sure which equations pertain to solving this type of problem, but I don't know where to get started when you're not given the value of the centripetal force... Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
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  • #2
a = v^2/r, for centripetal motion.

Then use that acceleration value to relate the opposing forces. The tension in the string and the acceleration of the weight. A Newton's second type equation. Solve for the mass. Total F = T - ma = 0
 

FAQ: Force that Maintains Circular Motion

What is the force that maintains circular motion?

The force that maintains circular motion is known as centripetal force. It is the force that acts towards the center of a circular path and prevents an object from moving away from it.

What are some examples of circular motion?

Some examples of circular motion include a car turning around a corner, a satellite orbiting around the Earth, and a roller coaster going around a loop.

How is centripetal force calculated?

The centripetal force can be calculated using the formula F = mv^2 / r, where F is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.

Can centripetal force change the speed of an object?

Yes, centripetal force can change the speed of an object. It can either increase or decrease the speed of an object, depending on the direction and magnitude of the force.

What happens if there is no centripetal force in circular motion?

If there is no centripetal force, an object will move in a straight line tangent to the circular path. This means that the object will no longer follow a circular path and will continue to move in a straight line until acted upon by another force.

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