Circular Motion on a Track: Understanding Force and Direction

In summary, the conversation discusses the direction of the total force on an object dropped from a circular track that is a quarter of a circle, starting at 180 degrees and ending at 270 degrees. The question is whether the force is always in the direction of motion or if it differs at different angles, assuming there are no external forces or friction acting on the object.
  • #1
devanlevin
in circular motion, on a track, which is exactly a quarter of a circle, starting at 180 degrees(9 0 clock) and ending at 270(6 o clock) what is the direction of the total force working on an object dropped from the start at 180? no external forces, friction etc... is it always with the direction of motion or does it differ at different angles??
 
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  • #2
Hi devanlevin,

devanlevin said:
in circular motion, on a track, which is exactly a quarter of a circle, starting at 180 degrees(9 0 clock) and ending at 270(6 o clock) what is the direction of the total force working on an object dropped from the start at 180? no external forces, friction etc... is it always with the direction of motion or does it differ at different angles??

You mentioned some forces that are not acting, but what forces are there that are acting on the object?
 
  • #3

In this scenario, the direction of the total force working on the object dropped at 180 degrees would be towards the center of the circle. This is because circular motion is a type of accelerated motion, meaning that there is a net force acting on the object. In this case, the centripetal force (directed towards the center of the circle) is responsible for keeping the object in circular motion.

The direction of the total force will always be towards the center of the circle, regardless of the angle at which the object is dropped. This is because the centripetal force is necessary for the object to maintain its circular path and is not affected by external forces or friction.

It is important to note that while the direction of the total force remains the same, the magnitude of the force may vary at different angles. This is because the centripetal force is dependent on the speed, mass, and radius of the circular motion, which can change at different points along the track.

In summary, the direction of the total force working on an object dropped at 180 degrees in circular motion on a track will always be towards the center of the circle, but the magnitude of the force may vary at different angles.
 

What is circular motion on a track?

Circular motion on a track refers to the movement of an object in a circular path along a track. This type of motion involves constantly changing velocity and acceleration, as the object moves around the track.

What is the force involved in circular motion on a track?

The force involved in circular motion on a track is called centripetal force. This force is directed towards the center of the circular path and keeps the object moving along the track.

How is direction important in circular motion on a track?

Direction is crucial in circular motion on a track because it determines the path that the object will follow. The direction of the centripetal force is always perpendicular to the velocity of the object, which causes the object to continuously change direction as it moves around the track.

What factors affect circular motion on a track?

The factors that affect circular motion on a track include the mass of the object, the speed of the object, and the radius of the circular path. These factors can affect the magnitude and direction of the centripetal force, which in turn affects the object's motion on the track.

How is circular motion on a track used in real life?

Circular motion on a track is used in various real-life applications, such as roller coasters, car racing tracks, and amusement park rides. It is also used in sports, such as ice skating and figure skating, where athletes perform circular motions on a track or rink. Additionally, circular motion on a track is used in physics experiments to study the relationship between force and motion.

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