A model train with a mass of #2 kg# is moving along a track at #2 (cm)/s#. If the curvature of the track changes from a radius of #7 cm# to #12 cm#, by how much must the centripetal force applied by the tracks change?

1 Answer
Apr 1, 2017

The change in centripetal force is #=0.004N#

Explanation:

The centripetal force is

#F=(mv^2)/r#

mass, #m=2kg#

speed, #v=0.02ms^-1#

radius, #=r#

The variation in centripetal force is

#DeltaF=F_2-F_1#

#F_1=2*0.02^2/0.07=0.011N#

#F_2=2*0.02^2/0.12=0.0067N#

#DeltaF=0.011-0.0067=0.004N#