The discussion clarifies the distinction between torque (τ = Iα) and centripetal force (F = mv²/r) in the context of circular motion. Torque is relevant when analyzing the angular acceleration of an object, while centripetal force is necessary for maintaining circular motion at a constant speed. When an object moves in a circle at constant speed, it experiences centripetal force but has zero angular acceleration, indicating that no torque is required. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately applying physics principles in circular motion scenarios.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering the principles of circular motion and the interplay between torque and centripetal force.
This describes the centripetal (radial) force acting on an object that is moving in a circle at some speed.tee yeh hun said:When do we use F=mv^2/r ?
This describes the torque necessary to give some object (with rotational inertia I) an angular acceleration.Why we can't use it as τ =Iα