Related Formula
The centripetal force (F$F$) acting on a particle of mass m$m$ moving with velocity v$v$ in a path of radius r$r$ is given by:
F = (m v²)/(r)$$F = \frac{m v^2}{r}$$
Core Logic
Given that the two particles have the same mass (m₁ = m₂$m_1 = m_2$) and the ratio of their radii of curvature is:
(r₁)/(r₂) = (3)/(4)$$\frac{r_1}{r_2} = \frac{3}{4}$$
To maintain a constant (equal) centripetal force (F₁ = F₂$F_1 = F_2$):
Step 1: Relate Velocity to Radius
(m₁ v₁²)/(r₁) = (m₂ v₂²)/(r₂)$$\frac{m_1 v_1^2}{r_1} = \frac{m_2 v_2^2}{r_2}$$
Since m₁ = m₂$m_1 = m_2$, the equation simplifies to:
(v₁²)/(r₁) = (v₂²)/(r₂) (v₁²)/(v₂²) = (r₁)/(r₂)$$\frac{v_1^2}{r_1} = \frac{v_2^2}{r_2} \implies \frac{v_1^2}{v_2^2} = \frac{r_1}{r_2}$$
(v₁)/(v₂) = √((r₁)/(r₂))$$\frac{v_1}{v_2} = \sqrt{\frac{r_1}{r_2}}$$
Step 2: Calculate the Ratio
Substituting the given ratio of radii:
(v₁)/(v₂) = √((3)/(4)) = √(3)2$$\frac{v_1}{v_2} = \sqrt{\frac{3}{4}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$$
Therefore, the ratio of their velocities is √(3):2$\sqrt{3}:2$.
Pattern Recognition
For problems involving steady values under constraint variations, establish the proportionality relation first. Here, F ∝ (v²)/(r) v ∝ √(r)$F \propto \frac{v^2}{r} \implies v \propto \sqrt{r}$ when F$F$ and m$m$ are held constant.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Motion in a Plane