Explanation:
The object is moving along the parabola y = x² and is at the point (√2, 2). Because the object is changing directions, it has a centripetal acceleration towards the center of the circle of curvature.
First, we need to find the radius of curvature. This is given by the equation:
R = [1 + (y')²]^(³/₂) / |y"|
y' = 2x and y" = 2:
R = [1 + (2x)²]^(³/₂) / |2|
R = (1 + 4x²)^(³/₂) / 2
At x = √2:
R = (1 + 4(√2)²)^(³/₂) / 2
R = (9)^(³/₂) / 2
R = 27 / 2
R = 13.5
So the centripetal force is:
F = m v² / r
F = m (5)² / 13.5
F = 1.85 m