A model train with a mass of #2 kg# is moving along a track at #18 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #9 cm# to #3 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Jul 22, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=1.44N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

The mass is #m=2kg#

The speed is #v=0.18ms^-1#

The radius is #=(r) m#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=mv^2/r_1=2*0.18^2/0.09=0.72N#

#F_2=mv^2/r_2=2*0.18^2/0.03=2.16N#

#DeltaF=2.16-0.72=1.44N#