A particle mass m is suspended from the ceiling through a string of le...
Problem:
A particle mass m is suspended from the ceiling through a string of length L. The particle moves in a horizontal circle of radius r. What is the speed of the particle?
Solution:
To determine the speed of the particle, we need to consider the forces acting on it.
Forces acting on the particle:
- The tension force of the string acting upwards.
- The gravitational force acting downwards.
- The centrifugal force acting outwards.
Equilibrium of forces:
The particle is moving in a horizontal circle, which means it is in equilibrium. The sum of all the forces acting on the particle is zero. So, we can write:
Fnet = T + mg + Fc = 0
where Fnet is the net force acting on the particle, T is the tension force of the string, mg is the gravitational force, and Fc is the centrifugal force.
Centrifugal force:
The centrifugal force is given by:
Fc = mv²/r
where m is the mass of the particle, v is the speed of the particle, and r is the radius of the circle.
Substitute equations:
Substituting the value of Fc in the equation for equilibrium of forces, we get:
T + mg + mv²/r = 0
Solve for speed:
Solving for v, we get:
v = √(gr/(r-L))
Final Answer:
Therefore, the speed of the particle is given by the equation v = √(gr/(r-L)), where g is the acceleration due to gravity.