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 #88 cm# to #28 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Feb 9, 2018

The #DeltaF=0.3117#

Explanation:

Assuming constant velocity and mass.

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#
The change in force is equivalent to the force being applied currently subtracted from the force that will be applied.

Physics is always in Kilograms, Meters, and Seconds . So convert.

#F_"Centripital"=[(mass)*(velocity)^2]/(radius)#

Use the equation to plug into our formula for #DeltaF#

#DeltaF=[(m_2)*(v_2)^2]/(r_2)-[(m_1)*(v_1)^2]/(r_1)#

#DeltaF=[(5)*(0.16)^2]/(0.28)-[(5)*(0.16)^2]/(0.88)#