/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 7 A girl is swinging on a rope. Id... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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A girl is swinging on a rope. Identify the forces acting on the girl at the very top of her swing.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Three forces are acting on the girl at the top of her swing: the gravitational force acting downward, the tensile force from the rope acting upward and the centrifugal force acting radially outward from the center of the swing's circle.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Gravitational Force

First force to recognize is the gravitational force. This force acts vertically downward, towards the center of the earth, regardless of the position of the girl on the swing. It can be calculated using the equation \( F = mg \), where \( m \) is the mass of the girl and \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity.
02

Identify Tensile Force from the Rope

The next force to consider is the tension in the rope, which acts along the direction of the rope. At the top of the swing, the rope is vertical, so the tension in the rope acts upward. The tensile force can be counterbalancing the gravity when the girl is at the top point of her swing, keeping her from falling.
03

Centrifugal Force

The last force to consider is the centrifugal force, it acts outwards from the center of the swing's circle. Centrifugal force comes into play due to the circular motion of the swing, and its magnitude depends on the speed of the swing and the length of the rope.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Gravitational Force
Gravitational force is a fundamental interaction that attracts two bodies with mass towards each other. It's what gives us weight and keeps us grounded on Earth.

In the context of a girl swinging on a rope, the gravitational force is what pulls her downwards towards the Earth’s center, affecting her motion throughout the swing. It's a constant force, evident when the girl is at the very top of her swing. This force is described by the famous equation, \( F = mg \), where \( m \) represents the mass of the girl and \( g \) is the gravitational acceleration (approximately \(9.81 m/s^2\) on Earth). Understanding the role of gravitational force is crucial, as it affects the tension in the rope and the overall experience of swinging.
Tensile Force
Tensile force is the force transmitted through a string, cable, or rope when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends. It's a vital concept in understanding the forces in play when a girl swings on a rope.

At the top of the swing, this force acts upward, counteracting the downward pull of gravity. When the swing reaches its highest point, the tensile force in the rope is maximum as it must support the girl’s weight and the additional force due to the circular motion. The rope must be capable of withstanding this force without breaking, ensuring the girl's safety during the swing.
Centrifugal Force
Centrifugal force is an apparent force experienced in a rotating reference frame; it appears to push rotating objects away from the center of rotation. Although not an actual force (it is a result of inertia), it's useful for analyzing the motions in non-inertial frames, such as a girl on a swing.

At the top of the swing, the girl feels like she is being pushed outward, away from the swing's pivot point. This sensation is due to the centrifugal force. The force depends on the speed of the swing and the length of the rope (\( F = mv^2/r \)), where \( m \) is the mass of the girl, \( v \) is the velocity of the swing, and \( r \) is the length of the rope.
Newton's Laws of Motion
Newton's Laws of Motion are three physical laws that form the foundation for classical mechanics, explaining the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it.

The first law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. For the swinging girl, this means she would continue moving in a straight line if not for the rope and gravity acting on her.

The second law quantifies force, asserting that the force is equal to mass times acceleration (\( F = ma \)). This law explains the tensile force that the rope must exert to change the direction of the girl's motion at the top of the swing.

The third law is commonly known as action-reaction: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law comes into play with the rope tension itself, as the rope pulls upward on the girl while the girl's weight pulls downward on the rope.

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