Moments caused by centripetal force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of centripetal force on a rigid rod fastened to a car's floor while the car moves in a circular path. The centripetal force, provided by the friction between the tires and the road, is analyzed in relation to the rod's fastening mechanism, which allows no reaction moments. It is concluded that the centripetal force acting at the bottom of the rod does indeed cause it to rotate about its center of mass due to the transverse direction of the force relative to the rod's axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its calculation using the formula F_c = m(v^2/ρ)
  • Knowledge of rigid body dynamics, specifically reaction forces and moments
  • Familiarity with circular motion principles and their applications
  • Basic grasp of torque and its calculation using M = F × r_⊥
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of rigid body dynamics in detail
  • Learn about the effects of torque on rotating bodies
  • Explore the concept of reaction forces in various fastening mechanisms
  • Investigate real-world applications of centripetal force in automotive engineering
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of circular motion and rigid body mechanics.

TomW17
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Homework Statement


I was thinking about different scenarios in circular motion and came to this scenario. Suppose there's a car moving in a circle around some track. Obviously it's the frictional forces between the tyres and the road which provide the centripetal force. Now, suppose there's a rigid rod that is fastened to the floor of the car (fastened at one end in a way that the rod is upright initially), and let it be fastened in a way such that there are no reaction moments between the rod and the floor of the car (e.g. a ball and socket fastening). Here, it is the reaction forces between the fastening and the rod which provide the centripetal force, but here's my question. Does the centripetal force acting at the end (the bottom) of the rod cause it to rotate about its centre of mass if the fastening between the rod and the floor provides no reaction moments?

Homework Equations


F_c = m\frac{v^2}{\rho}, M = F \times r_{\perp}

The Attempt at a Solution


I think it would cause it to rotate, but I'm not sure here. My reasoning being that the centripetal force always acts in a direction traverse to the axis of the rod, which would end up causing it to rotate about its COM, but I'm not too sure.
 
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If I understand your setup correctly, it would just fall down towards the outside.
 

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