A conical pendulum is a mass suspended from a point that traces out a horizontal circle. By balancing the weight with the tension in the string, determine the speed of the bob.

Draw a free-body diagram for the mass with the pendulum suspended at an angle θ to the vertical. The tension in the rope is T and the radius of the circle is r.
Firstly, resolve horizontal forces and equate to the centripetal force: Tsinθ = mv^2/r (1), where v is the speed of the bob . Resolve vertical forces Tcosθ-mg = 0 --> Tcosθ = mg (2). Divide (1) and (2) to eliminate T --> sinθ/cosθ = tanθ = v^2/rg. Rearrange for v to get v = (rgtanθ)^1/2.

DS
Answered by Daniel S. Physics tutor

3190 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the angular velocity of a car wheel which diameter is d = 15 mm if the car velocity is of 120 km/h?


Why does temperature effect the resistance of conductors?


What is EMF? How do we test for it?


Calculate the flight time of a ball moving in parabolic motion, with initial velocity 5.0m/s at angle 30 degrees from the horizontal travelling for 23 metres.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning