Vertical Circular Motion involving centripetal force

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of vertical circular motion, specifically addressing why water remains in a bucket when spun rapidly in a vertical circle. The key explanation is that the bucket descends faster than the water at the top of the circle, resulting in the water not falling out due to centripetal acceleration. The fundamental equation involved is F = ma, which applies to the vertical forces acting on the water and the bucket.

PREREQUISITES
  • Centripetal acceleration concepts
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Basic principles of circular motion
  • Knowledge of vertical forces in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study centripetal acceleration in depth
  • Explore applications of F = ma in circular motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying speeds on vertical circular motion
  • Learn about real-world examples of vertical circular motion, such as roller coasters
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of circular motion and forces.

Ammar SH
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Say if you have water in the bucket and you spin it around really fast creating a vertically cricle. How come it won't fall on you when its at the top?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Ammar SH! :smile:
Ammar SH said:
Say if you have water in the bucket and you spin it around really fast creating a vertically cricle. How come it won't fall on you when its at the top?

Short answer: because the bucket is falling faster than the water is (and at the top, it's moving horizontally anyway).

Technical answer: look up centripetal acceleration, and do F = ma (vertically).
 

Similar threads

Vertical circular motion
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Is the Instantaneous Circle Proven When Centripetal Force is Removed?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Acceleration in uniform circular motion is uniform or non-uniform?
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
3K
Finding proper value for centripetal acceleration in a plane rising up
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
957
Circular Motion and centripetal acceleration
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Centripetal force throughout a vertical circle
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
What actually is the centripetal acceleration formula?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
Normal force at the top of a vertical loop -- Circular Motion Dynamics
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
Reaction force be 0 at top of circular path swing?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
A Car on a Banked Curve Moving in Uniform Circular Motion
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K