A model train with a mass of #1 kg# is moving along a track at #24 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #16 cm# to #150 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
May 12, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=0.32N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

mass, #m=1kg#

speed, #v=0.24ms^-1#

radius, #=(r) m#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=mv^2/r_1=1*0.24^2/0.16=0.36N#

#F_2=mv^2/r_2=1*0.24^2/1.50=0.038N#

#DeltaF=0.36-0.04=0.32N#