Artificial gravity in a rotating wheel

AI Thread Summary
Centrifugal force can create confusion when discussing circular motion, particularly in the context of a rotating wheel. An object in such a scenario remains in contact with the wall due to the wall exerting an inward force that changes the object's direction. This contact force is balanced by an equal and opposite force from the object against the wall. The concept emphasizes that while the object desires to move in a straight line, the wall's force redirects it toward the center. Understanding these forces clarifies the mechanics of artificial gravity in rotating systems.
Pranav Jha
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reading about circular motion has become very confusing for me thanks to the "centrifugal force". I have tried reading a lot of concepts presented on the internet but they haven't cleared away my doubts. In a rotating wheel, If there is no outward force acting on an object why does it remain in contact with the wall?
 
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Because things like to stay going the same direction. At every point, the object wants to continue along a straight path, but the wall forces it to change direction, pushing it toward the center of the circle. Because this is a contact force, the force of the wall on the object is complimented by a force of the object on the wall.
 
http://xkcd.com/123/" says it all.
 
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