How does an object start to move in a circlular path?

  • Thread starter Thread starter safwan.hossain
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Path
AI Thread Summary
An object at rest can be set into motion along a circular path by applying an initial forward velocity combined with a centripetal force directed toward the center of the circle. The centripetal force itself does not provide acceleration in the direction of motion; it only acts perpendicular to the velocity. To initiate circular motion, a force must first accelerate the object forward before the centripetal force can maintain the circular trajectory. For example, in a car, turning the steering wheel while accelerating creates the necessary conditions for circular motion. Thus, both an initial velocity and a continuous centripetal force are essential for an object to move in a circular path.
safwan.hossain
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
So, if an object is moving in a circular path, it has a force constantly directed to the center acting on it, and this force is perpendicular to the velocity. However, imagine now that it's not moving. How can one get this object to move in a circular pathway using centripetal force? Does the object need to have some initial velocity that the centripetal force needs to act on? Basically, how can one cause an object at rest to move about in a circular path?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are infinitely many ways to do that, but the important thing is that the object must be given the right velocity at the right distance from the center.
 
safwan.hossain said:
How can one cause an object at rest to move about in a circular path?
To produce any change in speed, there needs to be a component of force (acceleration) in the direction of the path of the object (which would not be a centripetal force or acceleration).
 
It needs both a forward velocity and a sideways force to drive it around the (continuous) bend.
 
"Start to move" implies an acceleration. Requires a force with a component in the direction of motion. Does centripetal force/acceleration have such a component? No, it's at right angles to motion. If it did then objects moving in a circle would get faster and faster.
 
safwan.hossain said:
So, if an object is moving in a circular path, it has a force constantly directed to the center acting on it, and this force is perpendicular to the velocity. However, imagine now that it's not moving. How can one get this object to move in a circular pathway using centripetal force? Does the object need to have some initial velocity that the centripetal force needs to act on? Basically, how can one cause an object at rest to move about in a circular path?

Thanks

Homework Statement



Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



A simple example:

Sit in a car in a large, open, flat area.
Turn the steering wheel slightly off centre.
Start the engine.
Engage drive.
Release the brake and note what happens.

If that is all too slow, press slightly on the accelerator pedal.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Friction direction change in a inclined circular bend (car on a road)
Replies
11
Views
999
Relation between the velocity vector and the acceleration vector of an object
Replies
1
Views
642
Circular motion/ speed increases at a constant rate
Replies
7
Views
2K
Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query
2
Replies
70
Views
2K
Spring-mediated dipole in a magnetic field
Replies
31
Views
2K
Acceleration in uniform circular motion is uniform or non-uniform?
2
Replies
55
Views
3K
Three conceptual questions on centripetal acceleration in a cone
Replies
5
Views
2K
Tension of string acting on stone moving in horizontal circular motion
Replies
19
Views
3K
Circular motion — the acceleration is not constant?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Circular Motion Questions (energies, forces, angular velocities, etc.)
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top