Mechanical Forces: Centrifugal/Centripetal Force Effects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of centrifugal and centripetal forces as they relate to a rock tied to a rope spinning in a horizontal plane. The key takeaway is that the tension in the rope provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the rock in circular motion, counteracting the downward force of gravity. The rope is not horizontal; instead, it has an upward component that balances the gravitational force acting on the rock. This balance of forces allows the rock to remain fixed in its horizontal axis while spinning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as force, tension, and gravity.
  • Familiarity with centripetal force and its role in circular motion.
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics, particularly in relation to forces.
  • Basic grasp of rotational dynamics and motion in a horizontal plane.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of centripetal force in circular motion.
  • Explore the concept of tension in ropes and its effects on motion.
  • Learn about the role of gravity in rotational systems.
  • Investigate real-world applications of centrifugal and centripetal forces in engineering.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of forces in circular motion, particularly in practical applications involving tension and gravity.

pedro trindade
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i'm not really a phycisist and to be really sincere i usually cannot answear my questions in class... so yeah, a question i have for a long time now is, which force anulates the gravity preventing a rock tied on a rope spinning over my head to fall and just stay fixed in his horizontal axis, the centrifugal force and the centripetal are both horizontal in this case... what happens?
 
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Tension in the rope. The rope is not horizontal.
 
what do you mean? (i'm really sorry if it is a dumb question.). The rope in this case is spinning with the rock in the horizontal axis over my head.
 
Like in the case of a olive being spin inside a cup turned upside down... why it don't fall?
 
A rock spinning in a horizontal plane is spinning around a vertical axis. I think that this is what you mean. In order to spin around that axis it must be subject to a horizontal net force. The force from gravity is downward. The force from the rope is toward the center and slightly upward. The rope is not exactly horizontal. The upward component of force from the rope and the downward force from gravity are equal in magnitude.
 
pedro trindade said:
The rope in this case is spinning with the rock in the horizontal axis over my head.
No, it isn't. Get a relatively lightweight rope and a decently massive weight. Have someone who is shorter than you spin it at a moderate speed, and look at it from the side. You will see that the rope is not horizontal.
 
thanks... that answered well ^^
 

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