How to Find Speed and Tension in a Swinging Rock?

In summary, a rock of mass 3.3kg is held at rest at an angle of 25 degrees with a string of length 1.2m. When released, the rock reaches its lowest point of trajectory with a speed that can be determined using the equation T=ma, where T is the maximum tension in the string and a is the acceleration due to gravity. The maximum tension can be found by multiplying the mass of the rock by the acceleration due to gravity. The angle of 25 degrees will change after release, but the string length will remain the same. Finding the speed of the rock at this angle may require using trigonometric functions.
  • #1
Noke2011
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Maximum Tension and Trajectories?

Homework Statement



A rock of mass 3.3kg is tied to a string of length 1.2m. The rock is held at rest (at an angle of 25 degrees) so that the string is initially tight, and then it is released. (A) Find the speed of the rock when it reaches the lowest point of its trajectory. (B) What is the maximum tension in the string?


Homework Equations



T=ma


The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, so the max tension is the amount of tension that can be applied so that the string is taught, therefore T=(3.3)(9.8)=32.34N. However, my question is, if it's held taught, and the string length cannot change, wouldn't the lowest point of the trajectory be the point at which the string is held?
 
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  • #2


The string length will stay the same and the string will still be taught, but the angle(and therefore the x and y coordinates of the rock) will change after released.
 
  • #3


But how do I find the speed of the rock at this angle? I'm not sure where to begin, would the angle just be the opposite of 25 degrees?
 

FAQ: How to Find Speed and Tension in a Swinging Rock?

What is maximum tension?

Maximum tension refers to the maximum amount of force or tension that a material or structure can withstand before breaking or failing.

How is maximum tension calculated?

Maximum tension is calculated by dividing the maximum load or force that a structure can withstand by its cross-sectional area.

What factors affect maximum tension?

The factors that affect maximum tension include the material properties of the structure, such as its strength and elasticity, as well as the design and geometry of the structure.

What is the relationship between maximum tension and trajectories?

Maximum tension plays a critical role in determining the trajectory of a projectile or object in motion. The higher the maximum tension, the greater the force acting on the object, which can affect its speed and direction of travel.

How is maximum tension used in real-world applications?

Maximum tension is an important concept in engineering and physics, and is used in various real-world applications such as designing bridges, buildings, and other structures to ensure their safety and durability. It is also used in sports and recreational activities, such as determining the maximum weight capacity for a zipline or rock climbing rope.

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