A model train with a mass of #1 kg# is moving along a track at #4 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #144 cm# to #60 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Oct 2, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=0.0016N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

The mass, #m=(1)kg#

The speed, #v=(0.04)ms^-1#

The radius, #=(r) m#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=mv^2/r_1=1*0.04^2/1.44=0.0011N#

#F_2=mv^2/r_2=1*0.04^2/0.60=0.0027N#

#DeltaF=0.0027-0.0011=0.0016N#