A model train with a mass of #8 kg# is moving along a track at #12 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #48 cm# to #120 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Apr 7, 2017

The centripetal force changes by #=0.144N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

mass, #m=8kg#

speed, #v=0.12ms^-1#

radius, #=r#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=8*0.12^2/0.48=0.24N#

#F_2=8*0.12^2/1.20=0.096N#

#DeltaF=0.24-0.096=0.144N#