What is the magnitude of the force F on the particle?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on a particle moving in a circular path. To calculate the force, we will use the formula for centripetal force, which is F = (mv^2)/r, where m is the mass, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular path.
Answer
The magnitude of the force on the particle is $54 \, \text{N}$.
Answer for screen readers
The magnitude of the force on the particle is $54 , \text{N}$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the variables We have the following given values:
- Mass of the particle, $m = 2.4 , \text{kg}$
- Velocity of the particle, $v = 6.0 , \text{m/s}$
- Radius of the circular path, $r = 1.6 , \text{m}$
- Use the centripetal force formula The formula for centripetal force is given by:
$$ F = \frac{mv^2}{r} $$
Substituting the values into this formula:
$$ F = \frac{(2.4 , \text{kg}) (6.0 , \text{m/s})^2}{1.6 , \text{m}} $$
- Calculate the square of the velocity First, calculate $v^2$:
$$ v^2 = (6.0 , \text{m/s})^2 = 36.0 , \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 $$
- Substitute and simplify Now substitute $v^2$ back into the formula:
$$ F = \frac{(2.4 , \text{kg}) (36.0 , \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2)}{1.6 , \text{m}} $$
- Calculate the numerator Calculate the numerator:
$$ 2.4 , \text{kg} \times 36.0 , \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 = 86.4 , \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 $$
- Divide by the radius Now calculate the force:
$$ F = \frac{86.4 , \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2}{1.6 , \text{m}} = 54.0 , \text{N} $$
- Final result Thus, the magnitude of the force on the particle is (54 , \text{N}).
The magnitude of the force on the particle is $54 , \text{N}$.
More Information
The centripetal force is necessary for any object moving in a circular path, keeping it traveling along the curve rather than flying off in a straight line. The force is directed towards the center of the circle.
Tips
- Forgetting to square the velocity: Always ensure to calculate $v^2$ accurately.
- Incorrect units: Ensure that mass is in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, and radius in meters for consistency.
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information