Minimum Speed for the Water to not spill

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter paperdoll
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Minimum Speed Water
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of a spinning bucket and the conditions under which water does not spill out. The key formula referenced is Total Force = Tension + M*g, where tension can be considered zero when the bucket spins at a sufficient speed. This occurs because the centrifugal force generated by the spinning bucket counteracts the gravitational pull on the water, effectively keeping it inside the bucket. The participants clarify that the acceleration of the bucket matches that of the water, preventing spillage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, including force and acceleration
  • Familiarity with centrifugal force and its effects
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic mathematical skills for applying formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of centrifugal force in rotating systems
  • Study Newton's laws of motion in greater detail
  • Explore real-world applications of spinning buckets in physics experiments
  • Learn about the effects of angular velocity on fluid dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining centrifugal force, and anyone interested in the mechanics of rotating systems.

paperdoll
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
How is it that the water in a bucket, spun fast enough, does not spill?
The formula at the top would be Total Force = Tension + M*g right?
So would the tension be let as 0? If so, why? I can't understand how the water just simply does not fall out of the bucket :confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
because the bucket is technically accelerating downwards just as fast as gravity is accelerating the water in the bucket (in otherwords, the bucket is keeping up with the water).
 
rcgldr said:
because the bucket is technically accelerating downwards just as fast as gravity is accelerating the water in the bucket (in otherwords, the bucket is keeping up with the water).

oooh I get it :) thanks!
 

Similar threads

High School Water Wicking between two containers
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
774
High School What is the pressure acting on the air?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School Why does hot water rise to the top of a water heater?
  • · Replies 66 ·
3
Replies
66
Views
5K
Undergrad Air pressure holds coaster on glass: What if only half full?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
High School Pumping water upwards into a large water tank
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School Quiz Question -- What happens to the cork?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Propagation speed of movements of a fluid in a pipe
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Some Questions About Drag (for ships in water and airplanes in air)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Will there be water coming out of the last hole?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the Blade Loading Sufficient for Minimum Sliding Resistance at Top Speed?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K