Conical Pendulum Motion - Help (1 Viewer)

[the-derivative]

Hey Guys,

I'm a bit lost on the second part of this question: Two light inextensible strings AB and BC are each length l are attatched to a particle of mass m a B. The other ends A and C are fixed to two points in a verticle line such that A is distance l above C. The particle describes a horizontal circle with constant angluar velocity w. Find:
a) the tensions in the string
b) the least value of w in order that both strings are taut.

I had no problem in getting the first bit (I got T1 = (mg+(mw^2l)/2) and T2 = ((mw^2l)/2 - mg) - in case you need it for part b) but I don't understand what to do to ensure that both strings are taut. Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[Trebla]

For the strings to be taut, T1 > 0 and T2 > 0. From the equations, T1 is already positive, but you have a specific condition on w required for T2 > 0.