A model train with a mass of #3 kg# is moving along a track at #8 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #15 cm# to #18 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Apr 26, 2017

The centripetal force changes by #=0.021N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

mass, #m=3kg#

speed, #v=0.08ms^-1#

radius, #=r#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=mv^2/r_1=3*0.08^2/0.15=0.128N#

#F_2=mv^2/r_2=3*0.08^2/0.18=0.107N#

#DeltaF=0.128-0.107=0.021N#