Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Centripetal acceleration

Centripetal acceleration — practice question

A steel ball rests on the inner surface of a hollow circular cone. It travels in a horizontal circle at constant speed, as shown in Fig. 1.1. The side of the cone makes an angle of $52\degree$ to the horizontal. There is no friction between the ball and the cone.
(a)[1]

Fig. 1.2 presents a cross-section of the cone and the steel ball. On Fig. 1.2, draw labelled arrows to indicate the two forces acting on the ball.

(b)[2]

Describe how the forces acting on the ball lead to centripetal acceleration.

(c)[3]

The ball travels in a circle with radius $0.15\,\text{m}$. Show that the ball's speed is $1.4\,\text{m s}^{-1}$.

(d)[2]

Calculate the ball's angular speed $\omega$.

(e)[1]

The ball's speed is increased. Explain why the radius of its circular path increases.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: A downward vertical arrow labelled weight

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