Is the centripetal force a projection of tension?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between centripetal force and tension in a pendulum system. It establishes that centripetal force is indeed the horizontal component of tension acting on the pendulum, which is directed towards the center of the circular motion. The vertical component of tension counteracts gravitational force, confirming that the net force responsible for centripetal acceleration is horizontal. This understanding clarifies the dynamics of pendulum motion in rotational systems.

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  • Basic knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with pendulum mechanics
  • Concept of gravitational force and its interaction with tension
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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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