Expansion of a Circular Loop with Perpendicular Forces

[sArGe99]

Consider a circular loop. If I were to apply forces at all points on the loop such that the forces are perpendicular to it and in the same plane as the loop, the net force experienced by the loop equals zero. But it expands. The loop expands even when no work is being done on it. How can it be explained?

 

[syedgj]

perhaps because it is only at the CENTER of the circle where the net force is 0, and not the edges, which are the ones expanding..

 

[kerimek]

This phenomenon can be explained by understanding the concept of tension in a material. When a material, such as a circular loop, is subjected to perpendicular forces, the individual particles within the material experience a tension force in the direction of the applied force. This tension force causes the particles to pull away from each other, resulting in an expansion of the material.

Even though the net force on the loop is zero, the tension force within the material is still present and causes the expansion. This is because the tension force is a result of the internal forces between the particles, rather than an external force acting on the entire loop.

Additionally, the expansion of the loop can also be attributed to the elastic properties of the material. As the particles within the material are pulled apart, they stretch and store potential energy. This stored energy allows the material to expand even without any external work being done on it.

In conclusion, the expansion of a circular loop under perpendicular forces can be explained by the tension forces and elastic properties of the material, rather than an external net force acting on the entire loop.