A model train, with a mass of #2 kg#, is moving on a circular track with a radius of #3 m#. If the train's kinetic energy changes from #4 j# to #5 j#, by how much will the centripetal force applied by the tracks change by?

1 Answer
Steve J.
Nov 1, 2017

The centripetal force will increase by a factor of 5/4.

Explanation:

The formulas for both kinetic energy
#KE = 1/2*m*v^2#
and centripetal force
#F_c = m*v^2/r#
have a #v^2# term. If the #v^2# term used in the calculation of kinetic energy is increased by a factor of 5/4, the #v^2# term used in the calculation of centripetal force will also increase by a factor of 5/4.

I hope this helps,
Steve

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