How Do I Solve This Physics 100A Problem?
A 8.01-kg monkey is hanging by one arm from a branch and swinging on a vertical circle. As an approximation, assume a radial distance of 74.4 cm is between the branch and the point where the monkey's mass is located. As the monkey swings through the lowest point on the circle, it has a speed of 2.33 m/s. Find (a) the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on the monkey and (b) the magnitude of the tension in the monkey's arm.
Please thoroughly explain how you got the answer, as well as the appropriate units for the answer.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Answers: Centripetal Force = 58.4 N
Tension in arm =
Method:
Centripetal Force = mv^2 / r = 8.01 kg x (2.33 m/s)^2 / 0.744 m = 58.4 N
At the lowest point, the monkey's arm must provide the centripetal force in addition to its weight (=mg), so the tension = (8.01 kg x 9.8m/s^2) + 58.4 N = 78.5 N + 58.4 N = 136.9
Bonus answer: At the top, the tension in the arm equals the weight minus the Fc = 20.1 N