Centripetal Force Applications Powerpoint Questions

What provides the centripetal force that enables a vehicle to travel on a flat curved path?

It is the friction between the tires and the road. 

.  What is the maximum speed equation for a vehicle being able to a flat, curved path?  Identify all the terms of the equation.

V = √RUG

The centripetal force is equal to weight for an object traveling in a circular path on a horizontal surface.

Condition for a vertical circular path

 What happens if a vehicle were to travel above the maximum speed?

The vehicle will slide off the road tangent to the location where the

speed was above the threshold speed.

What is another way to interpret what physically happens when the maximum speed is exceeded?

The maximum amount of friction between the road and tires is not

enough to enable the vehicle to round the curve.

What happens to a vehicle when there is not enough friction to support the speed at which the vehicle rounds the curve?

Then the vehicle will slide off the road

What is the minimum coefficient of friction needed to round a curved path on a flat surface?  What would happen to the vehicle if the minimum value is exceeded?

The vehicle still will be able to round the curve since there is

already enough friction.

 If a tricycle and SUV truck have the same coefficient of friction between the road,  how will the maximum speed to round the curve be affected?

The same maximum speed applies because the maximum speed is

mass independent.

Explain why round a horizontal circular path is mass independent.

The larger the mass, the more centripetal force is needed to round

the curve. If there is more mass, then there is more normal force

and thus more friction. Since the centripetal force comes from

friction, and friction comes partially from the normal force, then

any additional friction will be applied because of the additional

mass. The mass and centripetal force increases and decreases

proportionally, so the mass of the object is not a factor.

 What does the net force equal for an object being able to travel in a vertical circular path?

F±W = F c

What is the amount of force on an object travelling in a vertical circular path at the top of the path?  Why?

F = -W + F

Gravity is aided less

What is the amount of force on an object travelling in a vertical circular path at the bottom of the path?  Why?

It is a lot since the gravity is affecting it. 

 What is the minimum speed needed for a mass to round a vertical circular path?   Identify the terms in the equation. 

 Is mass a factor for the minimum speed needed for a mass to round a vertical circular path?

No it is not a factor. 

What three conditions necessary for an object being able to round a vertical circular path?

The force = weight 

Centeripetal acceleration = Acceleration due to gravity 

Speed = square root of rg

Is there a greater force applied to an object at the bottom of a vertical circular path than at the top?  Explain why or why not.

There is a greater force at the bottom of the path because the mass

must overcome the downward gravitational pull on the mass

traveling in a circular path.

Explain why a smaller applied for is needed for an object to travel around in a vertical circular path at the top then at the bottom of the path.

A smaller applied force is needed at the top of the vertical circular

path because the weight of the traveling mass aids the downward

applied force.

 What keeps the mass suspended against the wall?

Friction balances the weight of the mass.

What provides the centripetal force for an object traveling horizontally in a circular path while being suspended vertically on the ride depicted on the Powerpoint diagram?

The normal force of the wall supplies the centripetal force for an

object that remains suspended while traveling in a horizonal

circular path

.  Is mass a factor for the suspended object against the wall?

Mass is not a factor.

What is the minimum speed needed to round horizontal circular path while being suspended vertically?  Identify all of the terms in the equation?

Write a conclusion why a mass can travel vertically in a circular path while remaining suspended vertically.

If the tangential speed of the mass is large enough, then there will

be enough normal force supplied by the wall and thus friction to

suspend the mass vertically.

  Explain why a bucket of water being whirled vertically is like a motorcycle riding vertically within a spherical cage.

Both objects can round the vertical circular path without falling.

  Explain under what conditions a bucket of water does not spill when whirled around in a vertical circular path.

1) F c => W 2) a c => g 3) v=> (rg) 1/2

Explain why a hula-hoop remaining suspended vertically is like a motorcycle being able to ride within the side of a spherical cage or cylindrical wall.

Both object traveling a horizontal circular path while remaining

suspended horizontally.

What suspends the mass vertically for an object traveling horizontally at the end of a

chain, string, or rope?

The vertical component of the tension force balances the weight at

the end of the chain.

What provides the centripetal force for a for an object traveling horizontally at the

end of a chain, string, or rope?

The horizontal component of the tension from the chain provides

the centripetal force.

Write an equation relating the angle, centripetal force, and the acceleration due to

gravity? Is the angle based on a horizontal or a vertical?

tan θ = g ÷ a

What happens to the angle of a string, rope, or change as it travels faster in a circular

path?

The angle becomes smaller (more horizontal) as the tangential

speed increases.