A model train with a mass of #5 kg# is moving along a track at #16 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #8 cm# to #28 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Apr 6, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=1.1N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

mass, #m=5kg#

speed, #v=0.16ms^-1#

radius, #=r#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=5*0.16^2/0.08=1.6N#

#F_2=5*0.16^2/0.28=0.5N#

#DeltaF=1.6-0.5=1.1N#