Centripetal or centrifugal? The Physics of Water Escape in a Washing Machine

[laurenbaboran]

Homework Statement

13. Why does the water in a washing machine escape through the little holes during the spin cycle?
a The water is flung out of the clothes by the centripetal force.
b The water is flung out of the washer by the centrifugal force.
c The water is sucked out of the little holes by the washer.
d The washer cannot force the water into a circle because of the holes.

Homework Equations

I believe it's either a or b.

The Attempt at a Solution

I can't narrow it down between the tow. Help is very appreciated!

 

[laurenbaboran]

nvm I got it!

 

[rude man]

BTW don't let anyone tell you that the term 'centrifugal force' is wrong. Richard Feynman used it in his (recently posted) lecture series, and he kind of knew his physics.

 

[rcgldr]

Shouldn't the answer be "d"? If the outer tub is draining, then the holes on the inner tub above the outer tub water line can't produce a centripetal force on the water, and the water's momentum causes it to flow through the holes into the outer tub.

 

[rude man]

Shouldn't the answer be "d"? If the outer tub is draining, then the holes on the inner tub above the outer tub water line can't produce a centripetal force on the water, and the water's momentum causes it to flow through the holes into the outer tub.

That's my vote too, for what it's worth.