Question

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 `144 cm` to `360 cm`, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

Answer 1

The change i centripetal force is `0.024N`

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

`F=(mv^2)/r`

The mass is of the train `m=1kg`

The velocity of the train is `v=0.24ms^-1`

The radii are

`r_1=1.44m`

and

`r_2=3.60m`

The variation in the centripetal force is

`DeltaF=F_2-F_1`

The centripetal forces are

`F_1=1*0.24^2/1.44=0.04N`

`F_2=1*0.24^2/3.60=0.016N`

`DeltaF=0.04-0.016=0.024N`