Forces acting on object hanging from rearview mirror

In summary, the main forces acting on an object hanging from a rearview mirror are gravity and tension. The weight of the object affects the downward force of gravity and can increase tension in the string or chain. The shape and size of the object can also impact the forces, with larger surface areas experiencing more air resistance. The speed of the vehicle can affect the forces, with acceleration and sudden changes in direction or braking causing the object to sway or move more. If the string or chain holding the object breaks, the forces acting on the object will change and could pose a safety hazard for the vehicle's occupants.
  • #1
student000
7
0
A string is hanging from the rearview mirror of you car and a ball is at the end of this string. Suppose that you drive around a circular track at fixed speed. Which list below gives all the forces that act on the ball?

A) tension and the force of gravity
b) tension force of gravity and centripetal force
c) tension force of gravity and friction
d) tension only
I believe the answer is c, is this correct?
 
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  • #2
No. Why should there be friction? There is no contact of the ball with anything that has
a different speed.
 
  • #3


Yes, the correct answer is c) tension force of gravity and friction. The tension in the string is the force pulling the ball towards the center of the circular track, while the force of gravity is pulling the ball downwards. Friction is also acting on the ball, as it is in contact with the surface of the track and there is a force opposing its motion. These three forces are all acting on the ball as it moves around the track.
 

1. What are the forces acting on an object hanging from a rearview mirror?

The two main forces acting on an object hanging from a rearview mirror are gravity and tension. Gravity pulls the object downwards while tension, created by the string or chain holding the object, pulls upwards.

2. How does the weight of the object affect the forces acting on it?

The weight of the object affects the downward force of gravity. The heavier the object, the greater the force of gravity pulling it downwards. This can also increase the tension in the string or chain holding the object.

3. Can the shape or size of the object impact the forces acting on it?

Yes, the shape and size of the object can impact the forces acting on it. Objects with a larger surface area may experience more air resistance, which can counteract the force of gravity. Additionally, objects with irregular shapes may experience different amounts of air resistance depending on their orientation, affecting the overall forces acting on the object.

4. How does the speed of the vehicle affect the forces acting on the object?

The speed of the vehicle can also affect the forces acting on the object. As the vehicle accelerates, the object may experience a greater force of air resistance, causing it to sway or move more. Additionally, sudden changes in direction or braking can also impact the forces acting on the object.

5. What happens to the forces acting on the object if the string or chain breaks?

If the string or chain holding the object breaks, the forces acting on the object will change. Gravity will continue to pull the object downwards, but without the upward tension force, the object may fall or move in a different direction. This can also pose a safety hazard for the driver and passengers in the vehicle.

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