Question

An object of mass M1 travels in a circular path of radius R on a horizontal table. The object is attached to a string that passes through a hole in the center of the table. An object of mass M2 is attached to the other end of the string and hangs vertically under the table, which produces a force on M1. All frictional forces are considered to be negligible. Which quantity or quantities must be measured to determine the tangential speed required to keep the system in equilibrium?

Answer 1

Answer:

Only gravity acceleration is needed.

Explanation:

If we let gravity be g

I will rename M1 as M₁ for the first mass

I will rename M2 as M₂ to further reduce the possible confusion of a subscript with a multiplicand.

The tension in the string will support the weight of M₂ and will supply the centripetal force required to keep M₁ on a circular path

M₁v²/R = M₂g

v = √(M₂gR/M₁)