Uniform circular motion - origin of speed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tangential speed in uniform circular motion, particularly focusing on the origin of this speed when a ball is rotated on a string. Participants explore the relationship between the motion of the hand and the speed of the ball.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about where the speed in uniform circular motion originates, specifically questioning the role of the hand in providing this speed.
  • Another participant suggests that the motion of the hand while bringing the ball to its final speed is significant in understanding the source of the speed.
  • A further reply confirms that the hand's motion contributes to the speed, noting that the string is not perpendicular to the velocity when the ball is first set into motion.
  • A participant references a video to illustrate the point about the string's orientation relative to the velocity of the ball.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the visual aid provided in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the idea that the hand's motion contributes to the speed of the ball, but the discussion does not resolve the initial confusion about the origin of speed in uniform circular motion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific assumptions about the forces involved or the conditions under which the ball is accelerated to its final speed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the mechanics of circular motion, particularly those seeking clarification on the concepts of tangential speed and centripetal force.

compuser123
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I am having trouble understanding tangential speed as it applies to uniform circular motion and I would appreciate any help.

Say I have a ball on the end of a string that I hold with my hand and rotate at a constant speed. If the string provides the centripetal force and acceleration, where does the speed come from? what provides it?
 
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Notice what your hand is doing while you are bringing the ball from rest up to its final speed.
 
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As I am bringing it to its final speed, my hand is moving in arc. So my hand is also providing the speed?
 
compuser123 said:
As I am bringing it to its final speed, my hand is moving in arc. So my hand is also providing the speed?
Yes. As the ball is first brought into motion, the string is not perpendicular to the velocity.

Look at this video at about time 45 seconds.



Here is a snapshot soon after the ball is first set into motion.
upload_2018-1-16_12-31-12.png

You can see that the string is not perpendicular to the velocity.
 

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  • upload_2018-1-16_12-31-12.png
    upload_2018-1-16_12-31-12.png
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Awesome. Thanks a lot, your vector pic. really helped.
 

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