Engineering Mechanics

(Joyce) #1

Chapter 28 : Motion Along a Circular Path „„„„„ 575


Example 28.4. A body of mass 0·5 kg tied to string is whirled in a vertical circle making
2 rev/s. If radius of the circle is 1·2 m, then find tensions in the string when the body is at top of the
circle, and (ii) at the bottom of the circle.


Solution. Given : Mass of body (m) = 0·5 kg ; Angular rotation of the body (N) = 2 rev/s and
radius of circle (r) = 1·2 m.


(i) Tension in the string when the body is at the top of the circle


We know that angular velocity of the body,
ω = 2πN = 2π × 2 = 4π rad/s
∴Tension in the string when the body is at the top of the circle
T 1 = m ω^2 r – mg = [0·5 × (4π)^2 × 1·2] – (0·5 × 9·8) N
= 94.7 – 4.9 = 89.8 N Ans.

(ii) Tension in the string when the body is at the bottom of the circle


We know that tension in the string when the body is at the bottom of the circle
T 2 = m ω^2 r + mg = [0·5 × (4π)^2 × 1·2] + (0·5 × 9·8) N
= 94·7 + 4·9 = 99·6 N Ans.
Example 28.5. In a circus show, a motor cyclist is moving in a spherical cage of radius 3 m.
The motor cycle and the rider together has mass of 750 kg. Find the least velocity, with which the
motor cyclist must pass the highest-point on the cage, without losing contact inside the cage.


Solution. Given : Radius of spherical cage (r) = 3 m and mass of motor cycle and rider
(m) = 750 kg.


Let v = Least velocity of the motor cyclist.
We know that centrifugal force,
22

(^7502502)
3
mv v
Fv
r
== =
In order to maintain the contact with the highest point of the cage, the centrifugal force must
be equal to the weight of the motor cycle and the rider. Therefore
250 v^2 = mg = 750 × 9·8 = 7350
∴^27350 29·4
250
v ==
or v==29·4 5·42 m/s Ans.
EXERCISE 28.1



  1. A body of mass 2 kg ; revolving in a circle of radius 1·5 m. Find the centripetal force
    acting on the body, if the angular velocity of the body is 3 rad/s. (Ans. 27 N)

  2. A body of mass 2·5 kg is moving in a circle of radius 1·5 m with a velocity of 6 m/s.
    Calculate the centrifugal force acting on the body. (Ans. 60 N)

  3. A ball of mass 1·5 kg is being rotated with the help of a 0·8 m long string. If velocity of the
    ball is 2·4 m/s, find the tension in the string. (Ans. 10·8 N)

  4. A stone of mass 0·5 kg is tied to a string of 1 m length, which is whirled in a vertical circle
    with a velocity of 5 m/s. What are the magnitudes of the tensions, when the stone is at the
    top and bottom of the circle? (Ans. 7·6 N ; 17·4 N)

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