Math Problem Statement

a 80 gram tennis ball is attached to a 1.1 meter string of negligible mass and swung in a 0.7 meter radius horizontal circle. Find the magnitude of the tension force.

Solution

To solve for the magnitude of the tension force in the string, we'll apply concepts from circular motion. Here’s the approach:

1. Identify Given Information:

  • Mass of the tennis ball: m=80g=0.080kgm = 80 \, \text{g} = 0.080 \, \text{kg}
  • Length of the string: L=1.1mL = 1.1 \, \text{m}
  • Radius of the circular path: r=0.7mr = 0.7 \, \text{m}

Since the ball moves in a horizontal circle, the tension in the string provides the centripetal force required for circular motion. This force can be calculated using the following steps.

2. Break Down the Problem:

The string is inclined at an angle because the radius of the circle (r=0.7mr = 0.7 \, \text{m}) is less than the full length of the string (L=1.1mL = 1.1 \, \text{m}). Let’s denote the angle between the string and the vertical as θ\theta.

We can use trigonometry to find the angle θ\theta: cos(θ)=rL=0.71.10.636\cos(\theta) = \frac{r}{L} = \frac{0.7}{1.1} \approx 0.636 Thus, θ=cos1(0.636)50.41\theta = \cos^{-1}(0.636) \approx 50.41^\circ

3. Equilibrium of Forces:

For the ball to stay in circular motion, the tension force TT in the string has two components:

  • The vertical component balances the gravitational force: Tcos(θ)=mgT \cos(\theta) = mg where g=9.8m/s2g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 is the acceleration due to gravity.
  • The horizontal component provides the centripetal force: Tsin(θ)=mv2rT \sin(\theta) = \frac{mv^2}{r} where vv is the velocity of the ball.

4. Solve for TT (Tension Force):

First, solve for TT from the vertical component equation: T=mgcos(θ)T = \frac{mg}{\cos(\theta)} Substitute the values: T=0.080×9.8cos(50.41)0.7840.6361.232NT = \frac{0.080 \times 9.8}{\cos(50.41^\circ)} \approx \frac{0.784}{0.636} \approx 1.232 \, \text{N}

Thus, the magnitude of the tension force is approximately 1.23 N.

Conclusion:

The tension in the string is T1.23NT \approx 1.23 \, \text{N}.

Would you like further details on this solution or clarifications?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the velocity of an object in circular motion?
  2. What role does centripetal force play in horizontal circular motion?
  3. How does changing the radius affect the tension in the string?
  4. Why is the string's mass considered negligible in this scenario?
  5. Can you explain the relationship between tension and the angle of the string?

Tip: Always use consistent units (SI units) to avoid conversion mistakes during calculations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Circular Motion
Trigonometry
Forces

Formulas

Tension Force Formula: T = mg / cos(θ)
Centripetal Force: Tsin(θ) = mv^2 / r
Trigonometric Identity: cos(θ) = r / L

Theorems

Newton's Second Law
Centripetal Force Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Advanced Physics)