5

?Sa

ah
=
I I eg R e m e m b e r the following important principles

Rectilinear motion describes the path of an object moving in a straight line. We can think o f
circular motion as the movement o af body in a series of very short, Straight lines, that gradually
change d i r e c t i o n as i t progresses.

is a p p r o x i m a t e l y e q u i v a l e n t to
T h a t is, v m .

Suppose an o b j e c t is t r a v e l l i n g at constant velocity. I f you then apply a force at right angles to

its d i r e c t i o n o f m o t i o n , its direction o f m o t i o n w i l l change. I f this force is constant i n m a g n i t u d e
and a l w a y s at r i g h t angles to the object?s m o t i o n , then the path o f the o b j e c t w i l l be a circle. The
deviating force p o i n t s t o w a r d s the centre o f the object?s circular path. The object?s acceleration
is also directed t o w a r d the centre o f the circle. The object?s v e l o c i t y at any time has a constant
m a g n i t u d e and its d i r e c t i o n is tangential to its c i r c u l a r path.

. . Vv
A s a n e x a m p l e , c o n s i d e r a m a s s , m b e i n g

w h i r l e d a r o u n da h o r i z o n t a l circle on m
t h e end o f a length o f string.
E v e n t h o u g h i t m a y bet r a v e l l i n g

w i t h a c o n s t a n t speed, its v e l o c i t y Vv

is c h a n g i n g since t h e d i r e c t i o n in w h i c h the mass is m o v i n g is c o n s t a n t l y changing.

T h e c i r c u l a r path d e s c r i b e d b y the mass has an effective radius, r equal to the length o f the string.

T h e d i r e c t i o n o f m o t i o n o f t h e mass at any p o i n t is g i v e n b y the tangent to the c i r c u l a r path at

that p o i n t , as s h o w n . Since its v e l o c i t y is changing, then the mass m u s t be accelerating, w h i c h
a resultant force, F a c t i n g on the mass. In this situation, t h e force is
m e a n s t h a t t h e r e m u s t be
t h e t e n s i o n in the s t r i n g and, as f o r any o b j e c t h a v i n g c i r c u l a r m o t i o n , its d i r e c t i o n is ?centre-
|
seeking?. S u c h forces are c a l l e d c e n t r i p e t a l forces.

Vic F =
m v
?-
A centripetal force has a magnitude given by the mathematical relationship: c
Where:

F is the c e n t r i p e t a l f o r c e ( i n n e w t o n s )
m is the mass in kilograms (kg)
v is the speed in metres per second (m s"')
r is the radius o f the circular path in metres (m)

The a c c e l e r a t i o n is also d i r e c t e d t o w a r d t h e c e n t r e o f the path.

N e w t o n ? s s e c o n d l a w tells us t h a t t h e m a g n i t u d e o f t h e c e n t r i p e t a l acceleration, a, is a, = ?

Other situations where a centripetal force is evident

Situation

Earth orbiting the Sun

A n object on the Earth?s surface

Car rounding a bend on a road

To find the speed o f an object m o v i n g i na circle use:

distance travelled ? 2nr

time T
Where:
T is the p e r i o d (time taken to complete one revolution) in seconds (s)

The frequency is the n u m b e r o f revolutions an object completes i n one second. I t is the

reciprocal o f the period:

Where:

f is the frequency, i n hertz ( H z )

Non-uniform circular motion

I f an o b j e c t moves i n a circle that has a vertical plane then y o u m u s t take the w e i g h t force o f the
object into account.
Consider someone w h i r l i n g an object in a v e r t i c a l circle on the end o f a string. The speed o f the
o b j e c t is n o t constant because at the top o f the loop t h e o b j e c t has g r a v i t a t i o n a l p o t e n t i a l energy
as w e l l as k i n e t i c energy, w h i l e at the b o t t o m o f the loop its potential energy is converted into
extra k i n e t i c energy.

A s i t travels a r o u n d the vertical circle, the object has t w o forces a c t i n g on it: the force exerted b y
the string tension; and the object?s w e i g h t force, w h i c h always acts d o w n w a r d . The c e n t r i p e t a l
force is always the resultant o f these t w o forces.

A t the t o p o f t h e c i r c l e the resultant centripetal force acts d o w n w a r d , and its m a g n i t u d e is g i v e n

by: F = mv,
¢c =F, + m g

where F, i s the force supplied at right angles to t h e m o t i o n (e.g. tension i n the string) that keeps
the o b j e c t m o v i n g in a circular path. In this case, b o t h F, and mg act i n the same direction, so w e
can treat both as positive.

In the special case w h e r e t h e o b j e c t travels across the top o f the c i r c l e at m i n i m u m speed, F, is

zero a n d t h e centripetal force is supplied entirely b y the g r a v i t a t i o n a l force mg.

At the bottom of the circle the resultant centripetal force is directed upward and its magnitude is
given b y : m v
F, = ? ? =F, - m g
c
r
In this case, F , a n d mg acts i n opposite directions, so w e cannot treat b o t h as positive. T h u s i f F ,
is t a k e n as p o s i t i v e then mg m u s t be negative.
 C x
A n unbalanced force must act on an object i f that object is to accelerate.

F
a = m
?

Acceleration is the rate o f change o f velocity. Change o f v e l o c i t y can be either changeo f

speed, change o f direction, o r both. Thus, a d r i v e r can make a car accelerate b y t u r n i n g i t -
around a corner j u s t as m u c h as b y pushing harder on the accelerator o r brake. A s i t turns i t is
<__temg accelerating. Therefore, a net or unbalanced force is required to make the car go around the
c o m e r .

? _ i e :

To study the relationship between some variables f o r an object m o v i n g in a circular path.

e o f the

o f the piece o f h o l l o w glass or hard plastic tubing - ( 1 5 0 - 2 5 0 m m )

1
a

energy large rubber stopper

into
fishing line or strong thin cord (1.5 m)
metre rule
arted by stop w a t c h
ipetal
s t i c k i n g tape or alligator clip
spring balance o r set o f 20 g o r 50 g masses
given S ma l l o b j e c t
such as a r u b b e r
|
stopper

Keeps Using the equipment shown in the diagram you can investigate the effect on the ;

, SO We
centripetal force of changes you make to the radius of the circular path, the mass of the Hard plastic or
object or its speed. glass tube securely
Note that you can carry out both qualitative (observation-based) and quantitative attached to wood
(measurement-based) investigations using this equipment.
T h e glass t u b i n g should be prepared b y f i r e p o l i s h i n g the ends and then w r a p p i n g i t i n
cellulose or p l a s t i c tape to help prevent i t f r o m cutting the line, or c r a c k i n g and shattering.
ide is
20 or 50 g masses o r large, i d e n t i c a l washers and a paper c l i p can be used instead o f a spring
balance.

Be careful. This experiment requires a good deal o f space and so should be done outside.
It is also advisable to practise whirling the stopper around so that you can control it when
s
ifF,
you are trying to record your results. Make sure the stopper is securely tied to the fishing
line or cord. Spring balance
attached to w o o d

W o o d e n board

e d .
am:

Equipment for
Experiment 4.1
 Part A : Variable force w i t h constant radius

Prepare a data table similar to the one below.

Mass p r o v i d i n g Centripetal T i m e f o r 2 0 turns Average

V e l o c i t y | Velocity?
centripetal force force ( N ) time per
(kg) turn (s)
(s) (s)

Measure the mass o f the rubber stopper accurately, and record the value.
I f y o u are using washers and a paper clip instead o f slotted masses, measure and record the
masses o f these as well.
Use an a l l i g a t o r clip or tape to mark the fishing line b e l o w the glass tubing so that you can
measure the radius o f circle o f the r e v o l v i n g rubber stopper. The m a r k w i l l help you to keep
the radius constant.
Attach a 200 g mass o r an appropriate n u m b e r o f washers to the end o f the fishing line.
This weight f o r c e w i l l p r o v i d e the c e n t r i p e t a l f o r c e .
W h i r l the stopper around so that i t is revolving in a horizontal c i r c l e o f radius 600 m m . Y o u
can do this by w h i r l i n g the stopper with increasing speed u n t i l the a l l i g a t o r clip o r tape is
level w i t h , b u t n o t touching, the b o t t o m o f the glass t u b i n g .
Record the time f o r 20 revolutions i n the data table. Repeat to obtain several m o r e results.
Repeat the experiment w i t h masses o f 2 5 0 g, 300 g, 400 g and 450 g i n the place o f the

c r .200 g mass. F o r each o f these, keep the radius o f the circular path constant at 6 0 0 m m .

horizontal circle

+ ? ? _ radius ? _ ? ? > "

piece o f tape o r
alligator clip

nylon line

masses supplying
the cetrifugal force

sas

Aa t i e n t nants
 P a r t B: V a r i a b l e radius w i t h constant force

Prepare a data table similar to the one below.

Radius ( m ) Time for 20 turns A

verage Velocity | Velocity?
Trial 1
| Trial 2 | time per
(s) (s) _ | turn (s)

Use the same rubber stopper as i n Part A and place a mass o f 2 5 0 g on the end o f the fishing
line. Y o u w i l l use this t h r o u g h o u t this Part.
Reset the a l l i g a t o r c l i p o r tape so the radius is 2 0 0 m m .
W h i r l the stopper at the speed required for it to revolve at a radius o f 200 mm. Record the
time f o r 20 revolutions. Repeat to obtain t w o sets o f data.
B y increasing t h e speed o f revolution, measure the time for 20 revolutions f o r r a d i i o f 4 0 0
m m , 600 m m , 800 m m , 1000 mm and 1200 mm. Repeat these measurements to obtain t w o
readings f o r each radius. In each o f these keep the 2 5 0 g mass on the end o f the fishing line.
F o r each trial, you s h o u l d reset the alligator clip or tape.

F o r each set o f results calculate the quantities listed i n the tables, using y = 2 m
T

F o r the constant radius set o f data, p l o t

a) c e n t r i p e t a l force vs v e l o c i t y , and
b) c e n t r i p e t a l force vs v e l o c i t y squared.

F o r the constant force set o f data, p l o t

a) radius vs v e l o c i t y , and
b) radius vs v e l o c i t y squared.

e e ,

1. U s i n g t h e mass o f the r u b b e r stopper a n d any l i n e o f data f r o m one o f y o u r results tables

c h e c k t h e e q u a t i o n f o r c e n t r i p e t a l force,

Determine the slope o f the graph o f centripetal force vs velocity squared. What does this
slope represent? Compare it to the value obtained using the mass of the stopper and the
radius o f revolution.

3. Determine the slope o f the graph o f radius vs velocity squared. What does this slope
represent? Compare it to the value obtained using the mass o f the stopper and the
centripetal force.
 Describe the uncertainties in this experiment. Estimate the percentage u n c e r t a i n t y i n t h e

expression: V2

r
Does the fact that the string holding the stopper is not exactly horizontal affect the relation
between F and v? Explain.

Determine the relation between F and vi n terms of the angle (8) between the string and the
horizontal.

Glass tube

7. The bob o f a p e n d u l u m swings through a circular arc o f constant radius. A t w h a t p o i n t

o f the swing does the cord holding the bob exert the greatest centripetal f o r c e on the bob?
Explain.

e e e

Conclusion

State the relationship y o u have obtained between t h e variables b e i n g i n v e s t i g a t e d i n e a c h

p a r t o f t h i s experiment.
 ~ T Y

a D
c i"
_ T o graphically analyse horizontal circular motion in a horizontal plane

v i d e o analysis s o f t w a r e
* w e b c a m or d i g i t a l camera
* m e t r e ruler and s t o p w a t c h
t e n n i s ball a n d string
¢ ? force probe ( 0 - 1 0 N )
* scale to measure mass ( 0 - 2 0 0 g )

c r
1. Setup a s i m p l e h o r i z o n t a l c i r c u l a r
m o t i o n system u s i n g t h e tennis ball.
Ensure t h e s t r i n g is f i r m l y attached to the
t e n n i s ball.
2. A i m to usea s t r i n g length o f
a p p r o x i m a t e l y 50 cm. Practise m o v i n g
t h e ball i n a h o r i z o n t a l plane.
A l t e r n a t i v e l y use a h o r i z o n t a l C M kit b u t
j u s t e n s u r e t h a t t h e s m a l l spheres are
v i s i b l e in t h e camera.

3. S e t u p t h e d i g i t a l m o v i e camera to capture
the side v i e w o f t h e p l a n e o f m o t i o n . T h i s
i d e a l l y is a r o u n d 2 - 3 m p e r p e n d i c u l a r l y
away in the same horizontal plane o f
m o t i o n . Y o u w i l l n e e d a scale w i t h i n the
movie and use either the metre ruler placed within the view or the length of the string.
Record a short three second movie of the ball in constant motion.
View the horizontal displacement vs time graph. Determine the radius of rotation and the
period from the graph.
View the horizontal velocity vs time graph.
Repeat the procedure for two different systems such as one that uses a different mass and
length.
8. I f you have a force probe incorporate and measure the tension vs time graph for the tennis
ball as it moves throughar o t a t i o n .

Results

Radius | Mass Angle | Velocity | Centripetal Centripetal Tension in

(m) (kg) (ms") acceleration force ( N ) string

s D Post lab d i s c u s s i o n |]
n o t have t h i s data y o u
A sample o f the expected type o f graph is shown i n F i g u r e 4 . 2 . 1. I f y o u do
may wish to use the sample graphs to assist you i n answering the questions.
=
Figure 4.2.1: A horizontal position vs time graph for System I

15
Teme { s )

D r a w the free b o d y diagram f o r the system.

Derive v?= rg tan 0
Derive a formula for determining the tension in the string.
Determine the tension in the string.
W h a t was the ?loss? o f energy in the system f r o m one r o t a t i o n to the n e x t ? ( H i n t : k i n e t i c
energy)
6. W h a t errors affected y o u r results?
 w ?y

? = T o graphically analyse vertical circular motion in a h o r i z o n t a l a n d a v e r t i c a l plane

= = a
_ ° video analysis software
e t webcam or digital camera
=

i . * metre ruler and stopwatch

m t =* ~?stennis ball and string or a Hotwheels ? loop track

° force probe ( 0 - 1 0 N )
a
scale to measure mass (0-200g)

=C=D 1. Setup a simple vertical circular m o t i o n system using

= e e i t h e r the tennis ball and string or the H o t w h e e l s ? loop track. Ensure that t h e string is
i f i r m l y attached to the tennis ball.
e m r e m 2. A i m t o u s e a string length o f a p p r o x i m a t e l y 50 cm. Practise m o v i n g the b a l l i n a v e r t i c a l
_ i _ plane. Ensure that the centre o f the s w i n g does n o t oscillate or m o v e around t o o m u c h .
= m 3. Setup the digital m o v i e camera to capture the side v i e w o f the plane o f m o t i o n . This i d e a l l y
is a r o u n d 2-3 m p e r p e n d i c u l a r l y away f r o m the plane o f m o t i o n . You w i l l need a scale w i t h i n
i | the m o v i e and use either the metre r u l e r placed w i t h i n the v i e w or the length o f the string.
4. R e c o r d a short 2.00 second m o v i e o f the b a l l i n constant m o t i o n .

[ = 5. C h e c k to see i f y o u r d a t a - l o g g i n g s o f t w a r e a l l o w s f o r y o u t o c a p t u r e a m o v i e u s i n g a
w e b c a m . I f y o u do n o t have access to a data l o g g i n g p r o g r a m then y o u w i l l need to d o a
f r a m e b y f r a m e c o n v e r s i o n o f m o v i e to a h o r i z o n t a l t i m e graph and then a vertical t i m e graph.
6. V i e w the h o r i z o n t a l displacement vs t i m e graph. D e t e r m i n e the radius o f r o t a t i o n f r o m
= A the graph.
i _ 7. V i e w the v e r t i c a l displacement vs t i m e graph. D e t e r m i n e the p e r i o d o f rotation.
8. V i e w the h o r i z o n t a l v e l o c i t y vs t i m e graph. I d e n t i f y the points w h e r e t h e tennis b a l l is at
_ the top and b o t t o m o f the loop. D e t e r m i n e the k i n e t i c energy change that the b a l l experiences
foo f r o m the base t o the t o p o f the loop.
9. V i e w the v e r t i c a l v e l o c i t y vs t i m e graph. I d e n t i f y the points where the tennis b a l l is at the
n T sides o f the loop.
10. Repeat the procedure for two different systems such as one that uses a different mass and
e s length.
j 11. I f y o u havea force probe incorporate and measure the tension vs time graph for the tennis
e e ball as it moves througha rotation. Identify the positions where the force is a maximum
and minimum.
= {c r
Centripetal Acceleration
| Centripetal Force Tension in string (normal force)

Pe
po
= Post lab discussion 2
a ,

S a m p l e s o f the e x p e c t e d t y p e o f g r a p h s are s h o w n i n F i g u r e s 4.3.1 a n d 4.3.2. I f y o u d o n o t have

i ca t h i s d a t a y o u m a y w i s h t o u s e t h e s a m p l e g r a p h s to a s s i s t y o u i n a n s w e r i n g t h e q u e s t i o n s .
 Timms (8) =
F i g u r e 4 . 3 . 2 : A v e r t i c a l v e l o c i t y vs t i m e g r a p h f o r S y s t e m 1 a _

05 |
0
Time (8)

1, D r a w the free b o d y diagram f o r the system.

2. Derive v?=rgtan0
3. Derive a formula for determining the tension in the string.
4. Determine the tension in the string.
5. What was the ?loss? o f energy in the system from one rotation to the next? (Hint: kinetic
energy)

6. W h a t errors affected y o u r results?

re
| 4

n e e
 m a a
I t 4~ G I D . e m »
it
e y T h e r e are a n u m b e r o f e v e r y d a y s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e c e n t r i p e t a l f o r c e s p r o d u c i n g h o r i z o n t a l c i r c u l a r
4 . paths are e v i d e n t ? cars t u r n i n g a c o m e r , athletes r u n n i n g the bend o f a race track, h i g h speed

r e = t r a i n s t u r n i n g o n b a n k e d t r a c k s , a i r c r a f t b a n k i n g , etc.

¢ a i e
Use diagrams and appropriate mathematics to explain the
origin o f the centripetal force i n three d i f f e r e n t situations
(i.e. do not do an athlete r u n n i n g a r o u n d a track and a
[ cyclist negotiating a race track, as these are p r e d o m i n a n t l y

ma the same example).

=
=
=
i
ala
i |

a3
lis
~ 2l
ote
olla
I. A n O l y m p i c h a m m e r t h r o w e r whirls the hammer, w h i c h is a round metal b a l l on the end o f
a short steel w i r e , r a p i d l y in a circle in preparation f o r the throw. I f the athlete w a n t s the
h a m m e r to travel due west, at w h a t p o i n t s h o u l d the athlete release the hammer? A d i a g r a m
may help w h e n you explain y o u r answer.

W h y doesa sprinter r u n n i n g i n a 2 0 0 m event lean towards the centre o f the curve he is

rounding?

A r o l l e r skater coasts a r o u n d a curve at constant speed ona h o r i z o n t a l surface. W h a t

provides the centripetal force?

Use a diagram to clearly explain w h y engineers design banked c u r v e s on roads that h a v e

high speed l i m i t s .

A n ice skater glides around a curve o f radius 15.0 m at a constant speed o f 3.50 m s ' . W h a t
is the skater?s acceleration?

A baseball p l a y e r s w i n g s a 0.585 k g bat i n a h o r i z o n t a l arc so that its centre o f mass m o v e s

i n a c u r v e d path o f radius 1.25 m at a constant speed o f 11.5 m s ! . D e t e r m i n e t h e m a g n i t u d e
o f the force w i t h w h i c h the player m u s t g r i p the bat.

A p l a y g r o u n d roundabout takes 15.5 s to m a k e a c o m p l e t e r e v o l u t i o n .

(a) Calculate the speed o f a c h i l d sitting on the r o u n d a b o u t 3.80 m f r o m its centre.
( b ) Calculate the centripetal force on the c h i l d i f her mass is 28.0 k g

A c i v i l e n g i n e e r has to design a r o a d i n w h i c h there is a c u r v e w i t h a radius o f

300 m. The r o a d w i l l h a v e a m a x i m u m speed l i m i t o f 110 k m h ' . A t w h a t angle
s h o u l d t h e r o a d b a n k on t h e curve so t h a t no f r i c t i o n a l force is needed b y a v e h i c l e ,
t r a v e l l i n g at t h e speed l i m i t , to m o v e round it?

Susanna s w i n g s o n a 4 m long m a y p o l e c h a i n w i t h e n o u g h speed to s w i n g i n a

c i r c l e o f radius 2.5 m.
(a) E s t i m a t e the tension i n the chain.
(b) Estimate her period o f revolution.

.
A 1250 kg car follows a circular path around a roundabout o f radius 18.0 m at a
constant speed o f 24.0 km h ' .
(a) Is the car accelerating? Explain.
(b) Find the average force provided by the friction between the tyres and the road to
maintain this circular path.
(c) A t what angle would the curved road need to be banked for there to be no need to rely
on friction to maintain the circular path?

Question 9 Question 10
: g s ,
aes

. The banked t r a c k at a v e l o d r o m e has a radius 70.0 m. E s t i m a t e the m i n i m u m speed that a

c y c l i s t m u s t maintain in order to stay on the track w i t h o u t r e l y i n g onf r i c t i o n .

. Red b l o o d cells are separated f r o m p l a s m a using a centrifuge. L i t t l e test-tubes o f b l o o d are

loaded into the c e n t r i f u g e and then rotated at high speed. The test tubes s w i n g o u t w a r d s and
the red b l o o d cells m o v e into the ends o f the test-tubes. The p l a s m a is p o u r e d off, leaving
the red blood cells behind.
12.0 cm

Maximum and minimum

radius of rotation of the
R mass o f b l o o d cells.
blood 9.50 c m
cells
(a) I f t h e centrifuge in the d i a g r a m is r o t a t i n g at 3800 r e v o l u t i o n s per m i n u t e , d e t e r m i n e
the m i n i m u m speed o f the red b l o o d cells i n the test tubes.
(b) Calculate the m a x i m u m centripetal acceleration o f t h e red b l o o d c e l l s i n t h e test
tubes.
(c) A r e d b l o o d cell has a mass o f a p p r o x i m a t e l y 98.0 ng. R e d b l o o d cells break i f s u b j e c t
to a force greater than 8.20 m N . D e t e r m i n e the m a x i m u m r o t a t i o n a l f r e q u e n c y o f t h i s
c e n t r i f u g e i f the cells are n o t to be damaged.

.
The d i a g r a m b e l o w shows the s c h e m a t i c d i a g r a m (as v i e w e d f r o m a b o v e ) o f a p r o t o n
s y n c h r o t r o n . T h i s is a d e v i c e f o r accelerating protons to h i g h speeds i n a h o r i z o n t a l c i r c u l a r
path.

protons injected at S S S e e
7.80 x 10°ms"! :
\ h o r i z o n t a l evacuated
? N e o ? channel o f p r o t o n
accelerated protons 8
?
?

leave a f t e r 4 4 0 0 0 0 ? » 6
synchrotron
i
?

circuits . '
i
é

S e proton path shown

as a dashed line

In the synchrotron the protons o f mass 1.70 < 10°? kg are injected, as shown in the diagram,
at a speed o f 7.80 x 10° m s " . The diameter o f the path taken by these protons is 400 m.
(a) Show on the diagram the direction o f the force required to make a proton move in the
circular path when it is at the position marked P.
(b) Calculate the force that has to be provided to produce this path for this proton.
(c) Sketch, on the grid below, a graph that shows how this force w i l l have to change
as the speed o f the proton increases over the range indicated on the x-axis. Include an
appropriate scale on the force axis.

force

0 5 10 15 20 speed (x 10° m s " )

Before reaching their f i n a l energy the protons in the synchrotron travel a r o u n d the
accelerator 440 000 times in 2.50 s.
(d) Calculate the total distance travelled by a proton i n the 2.50 s time interval.
(e) What would happen to the vertical displacement o f the proton in this time?
(f) Consider your answer to e) above; what must be added to the synchrotron?
 A string just supports a hanging brick without breaking. Explain w h y the string breaks i f you
set the brick swinging.

(a) E s t i m a t e the m i n i m u m speed required to s p i n a b u c k e t o f w a t e r at arm?s l e n g t h i n a

v e r t i c a l l o o p w i t h o u t s p i l l i n g the water.
(b) E x p l a i n w h y the w a t e r does n o t f a l l o u t i f the b u c k e t traverses t h e t o p o f its p a t h at t h i s o r
greater speed.
(c) Does the bucket travel at a constant speed throughout its circular path? Explain.

A pilot flies her aeroplane in a vertical loop o f diameter 1.60 km.

(a) How fast is the aeroplane travelling at the top o f the loop i f the pilot feels no force from
either the seat or the straps?
The pilot cuts the engine at the top o f the loop.
(b) Ignoring air resistance, what is the speed o f the aeroplane as it emerges from the bottom
o f the loop?

i ?7S p e

A n aeroplane flies i n a v e r t i c a l loop o f radius 6 5 0 m. A t t h e t o p o f t h e l o o p , t h e p i l o t

experiences a d o w n w a r d reaction f o r c e , f r o m her the seat, e q u a l to o n e f i f t h o f her w e i g h t .
E s t i m a t e the aeroplane?s speed at t h i s instant.

18. A model car o f mass 2.00 kg moves in a vertical circle of radius 5.00 m. I f its speed at the
lowest point is 20.0 m s " and at the highest is 10.0 m s " , calculate
(a) the force that the track exerts on the car at the lowest point;
(b) the force that the track exerts on the car at the highest point.

19. You strap into a safety harness and takea roller coaster ride. In one part o f the ride, the roller
coaster car goes througha vertical loop at a speed of 14.0 m s " .
(a) Calculate the radius of the loop o f track i f you feel ?weightless? as you pass through the
top o f the loop.
(b) Describe what would happen to you i f the car went through the loop faster than
1 4 . 0 m s ' . Explain your answer.
(c) Describe what would happen to you i f the car went through the loop slower than
14.0ms?'. Explain your answer.

20. A s a 40.0 kg gymnast swings in a vertical circle on a high bar, her centre o f mass moves
around 0.90 m from the bar.
(a) A t the highest point her centre o f mass is moving at 1.00 m s " . Sketchaf r e e body
diagram f o r this situation.
(b) H o w fast is she m o v i n g w h e n her c e n t r e o f mass is l e v e l w i t h the bar? S k e t c h a f r e e b o d y
d i a g r a m f o r t h i s situation.

(c) How much force must she exert on the bar in order to hang on as she passes through the
lowest point o f her swing? Sketch a free body diagram for this situation.
 Passengers ona f a i r g r o u n d ride revolve at a constant speed in a vertical c i r c l e o f radius
a 9 21.
3.60 m. The ride operator has a choice o f t w o speeds, L O W and H I G H . A t the H I G H setting,
passengers feel weightless at the top o f the circle; at the L O W setting, the passengers r e v o l v e
at h a l f the H I G H speed.
(a) D r a w free b o d y diagrams showing the forces acting on a passenger at the t o p and at t h e
bottom, at each speed setting. (That?s f o u r diagrams altogether.)
(b) Calculate the speed at w h i c h the ride moves, at t h e H I G H setting.
(c) Calculate the reaction forces acting on a passenger o f mass 60.0 k g at t h e t o p and b o t t o m
o f the circle, w h e n t r a v e l l i n g at the H I G H setting.
(d) Calculate the reaction forces a c t i n g on a passenger o f mass 60.0 k g at the t o p and b o t t o m
o f the circle, when t r a v e l l i n g at the L O W setting.

T h e stone passes t h r o u g h p o i n t X at a speed o f 10.4 m s " . C a l c u l a t e its speed at p o i n t s A

a n d B.
(b) C a l c u l a t e t h e tension in the string at p o i n t s A a n d B.
(c) At which point, A, B or X, is the string most likely to break? Explain your answer.