Serway & Jewett — Circular Motion and Other Applications of Newton's Laws: Problem 38

A puck of mass \( m_1 \) is tied to a string and allowed to revolve in a circle of radius \( R \) on a frictionless, horizontal table. The other end of the string passes through a small hole in the center of the table, and an object of mass \( m_2 \) is tied to it (Fig. P6.38). The suspended object remains in equilibrium while the puck on the tabletop revolves. Find symbolic expressions for (a) the tension in the string, (b) the radial force acting on the puck, and (c) the speed of the puck. (d) Qualitatively describe what will happen in the motion of the puck if the value of \( m_2 \) is increased by placing a small additional load on the hanging mass. (e) Qualitatively describe what will happen in the motion of the puck if the value of \( m_2 \) is instead decreased by removing a part of the hanging load.