What Forces Affect the Speed of a Ball in Circular Motion?

In summary, a 500 g ball is swinging in a vertical circle at the end of a 1.5-m-long string. At the bottom of the circle, the tension in the string is 15 N. To find the speed of the ball at that point, the person is advised to draw a free body diagram and sum the forces acting on the ball. They are also reminded of the pseudo-forces associated with circular motion, such as the centripetal force that keeps a person stuck to the walls of a spinning amusement park ride.
  • #1
cstryker02
4
0
A 500 g ball swings in a vertical circle at the end of a 1.5-m-long string. When the ball is at the bottom of the circle, the tension in the string is 15 N.



What is the speed of the ball at that point?
 
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  • #2
what have you done so far? did you draw a fbd with the ball at the bottom of the circle? Did you sum the forces acting on the ball at that point? I'd say start there and see if you get an answer.

Good luck.
 
  • #3
yea i have done the FDB but I am totally lost on the equations for the problem, i don't know how to find the speed with the "knowns" that i have been given.
 
  • #4
Well, you have 15N acting toward the center of the circular path and 4.905N acting down. Do you know of any pseudo-forces associated with circular motion? Do you know what force keeps a person stuck to the walls of one of those spinning amusement park rides, or the force you feel when a car goes around a corner?
 

FAQ: What Forces Affect the Speed of a Ball in Circular Motion?

What is a rotational problem?

A rotational problem is a type of physics problem that involves the rotation of an object or system. It typically involves calculations related to angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration.

How do I approach solving a rotational problem?

To solve a rotational problem, you should first identify all known and unknown values, draw a diagram of the problem, and choose an appropriate equation to solve for the unknown variable. It is also important to understand the concepts of torque and moment of inertia.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in solving rotational problems?

Some common mistakes in solving rotational problems include not using the correct units for angular measurements, forgetting to account for the direction of angular motion, and using the wrong equation for the given scenario.

Can you give an example of a rotational problem?

One example of a rotational problem is calculating the moment of inertia of a rotating disc. The moment of inertia is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the square of its radius and is an important factor in determining the object's resistance to changes in rotational motion.

How can I improve my understanding of rotational problems?

Practicing and solving a variety of rotational problems is the best way to improve your understanding of this concept. You can also refer to textbooks, online resources, and seek help from a physics tutor or teacher for additional clarification.

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