why does a stone tied to a string not fall?

utkarsh5

when we tie a stone to a string and spin it,it does not seem to fall.why does it happen?i mean to say that,no matter how great its horizontal velocity and centripetal force is,the vertical component of the acceleration wont be affected.it means that the stone should keep falling no matter how hard it is spun.why does it happen then?

asitiaf

Here the falling force (gravitational) is being balanced by centripetal force. Hence do not fall.

rcgldr

The string can never be completely horizontal, instead it's at some angle, and the vertical component of tension equals the weight of the stone (assuming steady state). It might be easier to understand this if you imagine that the stone is moving slowly, with the string nearly vertical, following the shape of a cone as the stone moves in a horizontal circle.

asitiaf

Quote by rcgldr

The string can never be completely horizontal, instead it's at some angle, and the vertical component of tension equals the weight of the stone (assuming steady state). It might be easier to understand this if you imagine that the stone is moving slowly, with the string nearly vertical, following the shape of a cone as the stone moves in a horizontal circle.

rcgldr, you are right
but, utkarsh5 is asking about
when the stone is spinning in a horizontal circle why doesn't it fall, means what makes the stone to gain height.

Doc Al

Quote by asitiaf

rcgldr, you are right
but, utkarsh5 is asking about
when the stone is spinning in a horizontal circle why doesn't it fall, means what makes the stone to gain height.

rcgldr gave the right answer. When the stone is making a horizontal circle, the string pulls at an angle, supporting the stone's weight as well as providing the centripetal force. The vertical acceleration of the stone is zero.

utkarsh5

thank you for your answers!now i understand the concept!thank you!!

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utkarsh5	why does a stone tied to a string not fall? Tweet when we tie a stone to a string and spin it,it does not seem to fall.why does it happen?i mean to say that,no matter how great its horizontal velocity and centripetal force is,the vertical component of the acceleration wont be affected.it means that the stone should keep falling no matter how hard it is spun.why does it happen then?

asitiaf	Here the falling force (gravitational) is being balanced by centripetal force. Hence do not fall.

rcgldr Recognitions: Homework Help	The string can never be completely horizontal, instead it's at some angle, and the vertical component of tension equals the weight of the stone (assuming steady state). It might be easier to understand this if you imagine that the stone is moving slowly, with the string nearly vertical, following the shape of a cone as the stone moves in a horizontal circle.