Conical Pendulum: Physics Behind Its One-Way Motion

AI Thread Summary
A conical pendulum spins in one direction due to the initial torque applied when it is spun, which establishes a rotational motion. The forces acting on the pendulum, including tension and gravity, work together to maintain this circular path. If spun in the opposite direction, the pendulum does not travel in a circle because the forces would not align correctly to sustain that motion. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the initial spin direction in determining the pendulum's trajectory. Understanding these physics principles clarifies why the conical pendulum exhibits one-way motion.
ys2050
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When you hang a pendulum from the ceiling and spin it, (conical pendulum) why does it only spin in one direction? What's the physics behind the motion and the forces of it that makes it spin in only one direction?
 
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ys2050 said:
When you hang a pendulum from the ceiling and spin it, (conical pendulum) why does it only spin in one direction? What's the physics behind the motion and the forces of it that makes it spin in only one direction?

Because you spun it in one direction.

CS
 
stewartcs said:
Because you spun it in one direction.

CS

but if you spin it in opposite direction, it won't travel in a circle...;;
 
ys2050 said:
but if you spin it in opposite direction, it won't travel in a circle...;;
Why not?
 

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