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Fnet = Fg + FT
Fnet = mac
[Set Fnet equations equal to each other.]
Fg + FT = mac
FT = mac mg
2. A 4.0 kg mass is attached to one end of a rope 2 m long. If the mass is swung in a
vertical circle from the free end of the rope, what is the tension in the rope when the
mass is at its highest point if it is moving with a speed of 5 m/s?
Fnet = Fg + FT
Fnet = mac = mv2/r
[Set Fnet equations equal to each other.]
Fg + FT = mv2/r
FT = [mv2/r] - mg = [4*(52)/2] - (4*10) = 50 - 40 = 10 [would be 10.8 if g = 9.8 was used]
3. A ball of mass m is fastened to a string. The ball swings at constant speed in a vertical
circle of radius R with the other end of the string held fixed. Neglecting air resistance,
what is the difference between the string's tension at the bottom of the circle and at the
top of the circle?
4. A child whirls a ball at the end of a rope in a vertical circle. Which of the following
statements is true?
(D) The acceleration of the ball is directed radially inwards, toward the center of its
path.
5. A roller coaster car is on a track that forms a circular loop of radius R in the vertical
plane. If the car is to just maintain contact with track at the top of the loop, what is the
minimum value for its velocity at this point?
(A) gR (B) 0.5gR (C) g/R (D) 2gR (E) (gR)1/2
Fnet = Fg + FN
Fnet = mac
[Set Fnet equations equal to each other.]
Fg + FN = mac
[If car just barely makes contact with the track, FN = 0 for a slight moment]
Fg + FN = mv2/R
mg = mv2/R
gR = v2
=
Vertical Circular Motion Practice Exam SOLUTIONS
1. A ball of mass M attached to a string of length L moves in a circle in a vertical
plane as shown above. At the top of the circular path, the tension in the string is
twice the weight of the ball. At the bottom, the ball just clears the ground. Air
resistance is negligible. Express all answers in terms of M, L, and g.
a. Determine the magnitude and direction of the net force on the ball when it is
at the top.
Fnet = Fg + FT
[Fg = Mg and the problem stated that the tension is the string is twice the
weight of the ball so FT = 2*Mg]
Fnet = Mg + 2 Mg = 3 Mg
Both the force of gravity and the force of tension are pointing directly down
when the ball is at the top of the loop.
From part (a), it was found that Fnet = 3Mg. Newtons 2nd Law of motion
serves as the bridge to connect forces with centripetal acceleration and with
the speed.
[Set the right hand sides of the equations equal to each other.]
3Mg = Mv2/L
3gL = v02 [Substitute the given values and solve for v02]
3 = !
Vertical Circular Motion Practice Exam SOLUTIONS
ac = v02/L = 3gL/L = 3g
[This could also be found by using the two equations for Fnet in part(b).
3 Mg = Mac
3g = ac]
d. If the string snaps at the top of the path, determine the time it takes the ball to
reach the ground.
The string snaps at a height of 2L above the ground, the diameter of the loop.