Cross hanging from rearview mirror

[jamessmith]

A race-car driver is driving in a circle at a fixed velocity. He has a cross hanging down from a string on his rearview mirror. Which of the listed forces impacts the hanging cross as the driver drives around a circle at a fixed velocity?

Gravity, Friction, Tension, and Centripetal Force

I say gravity, tension, and centripetal force.

Is this correct?

 

[edwinb]

as it is steady state you are correct as long as you can disregard the static friction within the strands of the string?

 

[kerimek]

Yes, your response is correct. The cross hanging from the rearview mirror experiences the forces of gravity, tension, and centripetal force as the driver drives in a circle at a fixed velocity. Gravity pulls the cross downwards, tension in the string keeps the cross from falling, and centripetal force acts as an inward force keeping the cross and the car moving in a circular path. Friction may also play a role in keeping the cross from sliding along the string. Overall, these forces work together to maintain the position of the cross as the car moves in a circular motion.