Is the centripetal force a projection of tension?

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Centripetal force can be understood as the horizontal component of tension in a pendulum attached to a rotating system. The net force acting on the pendulum is the vector sum of tension and gravitational force, resulting in a force directed towards the center of rotation. The vertical component of tension balances gravitational force, while the horizontal component contributes to centripetal force. This perspective clarifies the relationship between tension and centripetal force in rotational dynamics. Understanding these forces helps in analyzing motion in rotating systems.
Smouk
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Well, this might be the stupidest question ever, but whatever. I was just thinking about a problem where a pendulum is attached to something that spins around itself (image below) and thought that maybe Centripetal Force might be a projection of tension on a vector that is perpendicular to ω.

b172b4b81c7dc65027308c86e2c4a1b4.png


I know, this might be one of the stupidest things to say, but I don't really know that much so please be nice with me, thanks to everyone.
 
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Take the vector sum of the tension and the gravitational force. That gives you the net force. Since the net force has a direction that's towards the center, we call it the centripetal force.
 
Smouk said:
Centripetal Force might be a projection of tension on a vector that is perpendicular to ω.

Yes, it's the horizontal component of the tension. (The vertical component of the tension is equal but opposite to the gravitational force. Hence the net force is horizontal and towards the center.)
 
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