Centrigugal force slingshot,the projectile is shot by the normal

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of centrifugal force as it relates to projectiles shot from a rotating tube, exploring the mechanics of how the projectile behaves upon exiting the tube. Participants examine the nature of the forces involved and the trajectory of the projectile, considering both theoretical and experimental perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment involving a rotating tube that launches a projectile, suggesting that the projectile is influenced by centrifugal force rather than being shot tangentially like in a traditional slingshot.
  • Another participant questions the certainty of the claim regarding the projectile's trajectory, asking for clarification on how the initial participant tested their assertion.
  • A later reply explains that the path of the projectile is a spiral while inside the tube, and once it exits, it follows a straight path unless affected by spin, which could cause curvature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the forces acting on the projectile and the trajectory it follows upon exiting the tube. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the results or the implications of centrifugal force in this context.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of centrifugal force and its comparison to centripetal force remain unexamined. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical or physical principles governing the projectile's motion.

lerts
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Im sure that as a kid you have taken a long tube put a projectile inside, spin the tube and get the stone shot

The odd thing with this is the projectile doesn't get shot by the tangent like a slingshot but keeps centrifugal force direction

In my opinion this is an example of centrifugal force without centripetal one, this proves that centrifugal force is an actual force like the example proposed

It comes to my mind for a propellor two very long counterotative tubes in which projectiles are shot starting at 3 and 9 oclock and once they go away during 180º get pulled to the initial position during the next 180º

On this way centrifugal force would be pulling less during the going away of the projectiles during 180º and pulling more during the other 180º in which the projectiles are pulled to the initial position

I hoped to have been clear not being native english speaker and hope to see interesing opinions in this odd tube slingshot in which the projectile doesn't get shot by the tanget as usual
 
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lerts said:
The odd thing with this is the projectile doesn't get shot by the tangent like a slingshot but keeps centrifugal force direction
What makes you sure of this?
 
I just tested it several times
 
lerts said:
I just tested it several times

How did you "just tested it several times"?

Zz.
 
The path of a stone as it travels through a rotating tube is a spiral, so the stone has an sideways and outwards component of velocity as it's exits the tube, relative to the person's view that is holding the tube. However the stone's path is a straight path (ignoring gravity) once it leaves the tube, unless spin imparted by the tube causes the stone (or more likely a ball) to curve.
 

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