Mass m is connected to the end of a cord at length R above its rotational axis (the axis is parallel to the horizon, the position of the mass is perpendicular to the horizon). It is given an initial velocity, V0, at a direction parallel to the horizon. The initial state is depicted at position A in the image.
The forces working on the mass are MG from the earth and T the tension of the cord.
How can I calculate the tension of the cord when the mass is at some angle $\theta$ from its initial position (position B in the image)?
image http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8167/76300324.png.
Here's what I thought:
Since the mass is moving in a circle then the total force in the radial direction is T - MG*$\cos\theta$ = M*(V^2)/R
and so T = MG*$\cos\theta$+M*(V^2)/R
but since MG applies acceleration in the tangential direction then V should also be a function of $\theta$ and that is where I kind of got lost. I tried to express V as the integration of MG*$\sin\theta$, but I wasn't sure if that's the right approach.