How Do You Calculate the Force of Tension in a Pendulum Rope?

In summary, a 71.2 N bowling ball attached to a 3.90 m rope swings like a pendulum and has a speed of 4.30 m/s at the lowest point. The acceleration is calculated to be 4.74 m/s2, but the equation FT=ma does not work to find the tension in the rope. The net force must be considered, including both mg and mv2/R.
  • #1
enantiomer1
13
0
A bowling ball weighing 71.2 N is attached to the ceiling by a 3.90 m rope. The ball is pulled to one side and released; it then swings back and forth like a pendulum. As the rope swings through its lowest point, the speed of the bowling ball is measured at 4.30 m/s

I've figured out that acceleration = 4.74 m/s2
Now all I need to know is the force of tension in the rope , I've tried FT= ma
but that isn't working so I'm stuck
anyone know what equation I'm missing?
 
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  • #2
If the question is what is the tension of the rope at the lowest point, then you should be thinking in terms of both mg and mv2/R.
 
  • #3
enantiomer1 said:
I've tried FT= ma
but that isn't working so I'm stuck
That would work if Ft was the only force acting on the ball, but it's not. Set the net force equal to ma.
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Force of Tension in a Pendulum Rope?

What is the force of tension on a pendulum?

The force of tension on a pendulum is the force exerted by the string or rod that supports the pendulum's mass as it swings back and forth.

How does the force of tension affect a pendulum's motion?

The force of tension is responsible for keeping the pendulum's mass in circular motion and maintaining its constant period. It also determines the maximum height that the pendulum can reach during its swinging motion.

What factors can affect the force of tension on a pendulum?

The force of tension on a pendulum can be affected by the mass of the pendulum, the length of the string or rod, and the angle at which the pendulum is released. It can also be affected by external forces such as air resistance.

How is the force of tension calculated on a pendulum?

The force of tension can be calculated using the formula F = mgcosθ, where F is the force of tension, m is the mass of the pendulum, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle between the string and the vertical direction.

Can the force of tension on a pendulum ever be greater than the weight of the pendulum?

No, the force of tension can never be greater than the weight of the pendulum. This is because the force of tension is always equal and opposite to the weight of the pendulum, according to Newton's third law of motion.

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