Uniform Circular Motion and centripetal force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on uniform circular motion (UCM) and the role of centripetal force in an experiment involving a stopper and a weight. It highlights the contradiction in maintaining a horizontal circular path, as the vertical tension required to support the stopper's mass cannot be achieved. The participants agree that a horizontal circle is not physically feasible without vertical tension. The need for experimental precision is questioned, suggesting a deeper understanding of the forces at play is necessary. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexities of UCM and the conditions required for stability in circular motion.
BlueEight
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://img.skitch.com/20091201-pxecs3d574itggpejybhdbp3qr.jpg

Essentially, as an experiment, our physics class whirled a stopper attached to a string that went through a tube that was finally attached to a weight on the bottom of the string.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure, unless the centripetal force is somehow not adequate to hold the weight up, but it should be, as long as the stopper is swung around quickly enough.. This seems contradictory to everything that we've learned about UCM this semester.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you need to show that a horizontal circle as show in the diagram is not physically possible?
 
Oh yeah! Because if it was horizontal, there would be no "vertical tension" holding up the mass of the stopper?
 
BlueEight said:
Oh yeah! Because if it was horizontal, there would be no "vertical tension" holding up the mass of the stopper?
yes

Tsinθ=mg, θ=0, the mass will not stay in a horizontal circle.
 
Ah, thanks. But why would it be "necessary for experimental precision?"
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top