Circular motion and water whirl

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of circular motion, specifically focusing on a scenario involving a pail of water being whirled in vertical non-uniform circular motion. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the water remains in the pail without spilling, particularly at the top of the circular path.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the forces acting on the water and the conditions necessary to prevent spillage. They discuss the role of centripetal force, weight, and normal reaction forces in this context. Some are attempting to articulate the relationship between these forces and the net downward force on the water.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the forces involved and raising questions about the acceleration of the water at the top of the trajectory. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations governing the normal reaction force throughout the motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of vertical motion and the specific conditions under which the water does not spill, indicating a need for clarity on the forces and accelerations involved.

JDBB
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i can picture it in my head, though i can't explain it with physical concepts:

-A pail of water can be whirled in vertical non-uniform circular motion such that at the top, none is spilled. How so?

any help is appreciated
 
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JDBB said:
i can picture it in my head, though i can't explain it with physical concepts:

-A pail of water can be whirled in vertical non-uniform circular motion such that at the top, none is spilled. How so?

any help is appreciated
What is the condition for water to spill (think of it in terms of forces)? What are the forces acting on the water? If the pail is being whirled around in a circle so no water moves downward when it is upside down, what does that say about the magnitude of the net downward force acting on the water?

AM
 
Try to consider the centripetal force, the weight of the pail, and the normal reaction of the pail to water.
 
At the top of the trajectory both the weight components are completely downwards which is why I am having some trouble explaining this...
 
However, there is a normal reaction force acting upwards. Can you write an equation for the normal reaction force at any point in the rotation? (HINT: You will need to use tig).
 
JDBB said:
At the top of the trajectory both the weight components are completely downwards which is why I am having some trouble explaining this...
What is the acceleration of the water at the top? Hint: it is not zero.

AM
 

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