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A model train with a mass of #3 kg# is moving along a track at #16 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #8 cm# to #32 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

Answer 1

Leo Abeyta

The change in centripetal force is #=0.72N#

Centripetal force is what

#F=(mv^2)/r#

#m=mass=3kg#

#v=0.16ms^-1#

The centripetal force fluctuation is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=3*0.16^2/0.08=0.96N#

#F_2=3*0.16^2/0.32=0.24N#

#DeltaF=0.96-0.24=0.72N#

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Answer 2

Elena Albarran

To calculate the change in centripetal force, use the formula:

ΔF = mv^2/ r_new - mv^2/ r_old

ΔF = (3 kg * (16 cm/s)^2) / 32 cm - (3 kg * (16 cm/s)^2) / 8 cm ≈ 48 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.