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A model train with a mass of #2 kg# is moving along a track at #36 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #6 cm# to #3 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

Answer 1

Layla Ahmed

#4.32N#

Convert our values to SI units:

#36cms^-1 = 0.36ms^-1# #6cm = 0.06m# #3cm = 0.03m#

The centripetal force equation is

#F = (mv^2)/r#

Consequently, the centripetal force change is

#DeltaF = (mv^2)/r_2 - (mv^2)/r_1#

Enter the values that are provided.

#DeltaF = (2 xx 0.36^2)/0.03 - (2 xx 0.36^2)/0.06#

#= 8.64 - 4.32 = 4.32N#

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Answer 2

Sebastian Acosta

The centripetal force applied by the tracks must increase by 72 N.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.