A model train with a mass of #2 kg# is moving along a track at #2 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #3 cm# to #1 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Aug 12, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=0.053N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

The mass, #m=(2)kg#

The speed, #v=(0.02)ms^-1#

The radius, #=(r) m#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=mv^2/r_1=2*0.02^2/0.03=0.027N#

#F_2=mv^2/r_2=2*0.02^2/0.01=0.08N#

#DeltaF=0.08-0.027=0.053N#