Centripetal Forces and Speed Question

Your solution follows the correct steps and the final answer is correct. One suggestion for improvement would be to label the variables used in each step to make the solution easier to follow.
  • #1
RoyceB
9
0
1. At a velodrome, bicycle riders race around the inside of a course shaped like a cup whose angle increases as the rider moves up the side. At one point the radius of the path is 50.0m and the track makes an angle of 45.0 degrees with the horizontal. If a rider is perpendicular to the track at this point, what is the speed of the rider?

2.
mv2 / r = Fnx
ma = Fny - Fg

3. So my attempt was to break it into components and solve for Fn in the y and sub that into the x.

∑Fy = Fny - Fg
ma = cosθ(Fn) - Fg
0 = cosθ(Fn) - mg
mg = cosθ(Fn)
mg/cosθ = Fn

Now with that I attempted plugging that into the x direction.∑Fx = Fnx
mv2 / r = sinθFn
mv2 / r = (sinθmg) / cosθ
mv2 / r = tanθmg
v2 / 50.0m = tan45°x9.81m/s2
v = 22.1m/s

I was just wondering if someone can proof read and make sure that this is correct or incorrect and why.
 
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  • #2
Looks good!
 

Related to Centripetal Forces and Speed Question

1. How does centripetal force affect the speed of an object?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object to keep it moving in a circular path. The magnitude of this force determines the speed of the object. The greater the centripetal force, the faster the object will move.

2. What is the relationship between centripetal force and centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal force and centripetal acceleration are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the force increases, the acceleration also increases. This is because the centripetal force is responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity, resulting in acceleration.

3. Can an object moving in a circular path have a constant speed?

Yes, an object moving in a circular path can have a constant speed as long as the centripetal force acting on it remains constant. This means that the force must always be directed towards the center of the circle and have the same magnitude throughout the motion.

4. What factors affect the magnitude of centripetal force?

The magnitude of centripetal force depends on the mass of the object, the speed at which it is moving, and the radius of the circular path. As any of these factors increase, the centripetal force required to keep the object moving in a circular path also increases.

5. Can centripetal force be greater than the weight of an object?

Yes, centripetal force can be greater than the weight of an object. This is because weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object, while centripetal force is the force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. These two forces can have different magnitudes and directions.

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