Conical Pendulum: Physics Behind Its One-Way Motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of a conical pendulum, specifically addressing why it appears to spin in only one direction when set in motion. Participants explore the underlying physics and forces involved in this motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reason a conical pendulum spins in one direction, seeking to understand the physics behind this behavior.
  • Another participant suggests that the direction of spin is simply due to the initial direction imparted when the pendulum is spun.
  • A later reply indicates that if the pendulum is spun in the opposite direction, it will not maintain a circular path, prompting further inquiry into the mechanics involved.
  • There is a reference to external information about conical pendulums, although its relevance to the discussion is not elaborated upon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are competing views regarding the mechanics of the conical pendulum's motion and the implications of changing the direction of spin.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the forces acting on the pendulum and the conditions required for circular motion remain unaddressed, leading to potential gaps in understanding the full dynamics of the system.

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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