# Tension in horizontal circular motion of a non-uniform object (friction negligible)

A rod of total mass $M$ and length $x$ has its tip attached to a string of negligible mass, so it spins in a circular motion horizontally free from friction with constant tangential velocity.

I have observed that the tension in the string can found via the integral

$$\text{tension}=(V_{\text{tangent}})^2 \int_0^x\mathrm dm/\text{length}$$

where $\mathrm dm$ is a small element of mass located along the rod.

However, suppose the rod is still attached to the string in a similar manner and instead I am only given its total mass $M$ and the location of its center of mass; how would I find the tension of the string in this scenario given that the rod is not attached at the point of its center of mass?

Your equation is wrong because $V_{tangent}$ varies along the rod. It should be inside the integral.
Finding the tension in the string by the 2nd method is much more sensible. All you need to do is apply the usual formula for centripetal force : $T=Mv^2/R$ where $R$ is the radius of the circle traced out by the CM of the rod.
• Yes. $R$ is the distance from the CM of the rod to the centre of the circle. If the rod is uniform and the length of string is $L$ then $R=L+\frac12x$. – sammy gerbil Jan 23 '17 at 20:15
• $T=Mv^2/R$ applies even if the rod is not uniform. Knowing that the rod is uniform helps in locating the CM. If the rod is not uniform but you are told (or can otherwise calculate) the position of the CM relative to the end of the rod, you can still use the same formula. ... The integral method and the CM method will give you the same answer for $T$. – sammy gerbil Jan 23 '17 at 20:28