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 #160 cm# to #60 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Jun 22, 2016

I found an increase of #0.002N#

Explanation:

Considering that centripetal force is:
#F_c=mv^2/r#
you see that, at constant velocity, a decrease in radius (in meters) will imply a increase of force; so:

#F_(c1)=mv^2/r_1=1*(0.04)^2/1.6=0.001N#
and
#F_(c2)=mv^2/r_2=1*(0.04)^2/0.6~~0.003N#
(everything in meters)

Centripetal force will increase of #0.002N#