A model train with a mass of #4 kg# is moving along a track at #18 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #25 cm# to #15 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
May 21, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=0.34N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

mass, #m=4kg#

speed, #v=0.18ms^-1#

radius, #=(r) m#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=mv^2/r_1=4*0.18^2/0.25=0.52N#

#F_2=mv^2/r_2=4*0.18^2/0.15=0.86N#

#DeltaF=0.86-0.52=0.34N#